ACS Methods Panel Test

American Community Survey Methods Panel Tests

Attachment H Interviewer Letters and Materials

ACS Methods Panel Test

OMB: 0607-0936

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Atachment H: Interviewer Leters and Materials

Introductory Leter……………………………………………… Pages 2 and 3
Thank You ………………………………………………………….. Pages 4 and 5
HU Informa�onal Brochure………………………………… Pages 6 and 7
Frequently Asked Ques�ons (FAQ) Brochure ……… Pages 8 through 11
Beter Understanding Leter……………………………….. Pages 12 and 13
No One Home Leter…………………………………………… Pages 14 and 15
Refusal Leter……………………………………………………… Pages 16 and 17
Conﬁden�ality Leter………………………………………….. Pages 18 and 19
Final Atempt Leter……………………………………………. Pages 20 and 21
ACS Internet Leter for Regional Oﬃces……………… Pages 22 and 23
Management Building Access Leter…………………… Page 24
Management Gated Community Leter………………. Page 25
Please Call Me Leter………………………………………….. Page 26
Seasonal Home Leter…………………………………………. Page 27

Attachment H: Introductory Letter

Dear Resident:
Your household has been selected to participate in the American Community Survey.
This federal survey is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. Local leaders and organizations
can use the survey data to help improve the lives of people in your community.
Your participation is so important that your response is required by law (Title 13, U.S. Code,
Sections 141, 193, and 221). Your survey information is kept conﬁdential by law (Title 13, U.S.
Code, Section 9). The Census Bureau is not permitted to publicly release your responses in a
way that could identify you.

Follow these steps to complete the survey:

1) Go to respond.census.gov/acs
2) Enter your user ID:

–

A PIN is given when you log in. Please keep the PIN until you complete the survey.

If you prefer to complete the survey by phone or in person, please call me for an interview.
My contact information is on the enclosed card.
Thank you for your participation.
Sincerely,

Field Representative
U.S. Census Bureau

ACS-16(L) (07-01-2022)

census.gov/acs

Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if the person who contacted me really works for the U.S. Census Bureau?
If a Census Bureau employee visits you, he or she will present a photo ID that includes their name, a
Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. He or she will have a laptop and will
contact you between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
You can also look up their name in our staff database at census.gov/staffsearch. It is easiest to
search using just the last name.
What is the American Community Survey?
The American Community Survey is an ongoing survey that provides vital information on a yearly
basis. When governments, businesses, and community leaders need to make important decisions
that affect our lives, they often turn to the American Community Survey for help.
To learn how real people use the data to make informed decisions visit: census.gov/acs-data-stories
Why does the American Community Survey ask these questions?
The American Community Survey only asks questions when there is a federal program need and if
the information is not available anywhere else. The questions asked on the survey have been
reviewed by more than thirty federal agencies.
To learn why we ask each question visit: census.gov/acswhyweask
Why was I selected to participate in the survey?
The Census Bureau randomly selects about 3.5 million addresses throughout the country each year
to respond to this survey. Your address represents thousands of other households like yours.

The American Community Survey: Helping Communities Make Informed Decisions

The American Community Survey

Attachment H: Thank You

Thank you for
your response.
We hope that your
experience has been both
positive and informative.
The U.S. Census Bureau may
contact you to learn about
your experience.
Your input helps us improve
the survey and staff training.

Thank you!

census.gov/acs

The American Community Survey

Helping Communities Make Informed Decisions

Learn more at: census.gov/acs

ACS-26(B) (07-2022)

Attachment H: HU Informational Brochure

American
Community Survey

Did you know?
Your local government can use ACS data to
determine funding for:
•

Financial assistance with utilities,

Can I complete the survey online?

Helping communities
make informed decisions

Yes. Start with three easy steps:

health care, and other needs.
•

Educational programs for children
with special needs.

1. Go to respond.census.gov/acs
2. Enter the user ID exactly as it
appears on your survey materials.

–

User ID

Nonprofit organizations and businesses in
your community can use ACS data to:
•

Obtain grants for community
development programs.

•

Develop job training programs for the
local workforce.

To learn more about how people use
ACS data to help communities, visit:
census.gov/acs-data-stories.

acs-50 (hu)_2022 update_draft1_update_revised.indd 1

3. Click the

button.

You will be given a PIN. Please keep the PIN
until you complete the survey. Need help
logging in? Call 1-800-354-7271.

Can I complete the survey by phone?
Yes. You can call your Census Bureau
representative to complete the survey.

Issued October 2022
ACS-50(HU)

8/23/2022 9:06:18 AM

What is the American Community
Survey?
The American Community Survey (ACS)
is a nationwide survey conducted by the
U.S. Census Bureau.
The ACS is the premier source of current data
about our people, housing, and economy.

Do I have to answer the survey?
Yes. Your response to this survey is
required by law (Title 13, U.S. Code,
Sections 141, 193, and 221).
The survey data help local officials,
community leaders, and businesses respond
to changes taking place in their communities.
To have accurate information about your
community, it is critical that you respond.

Is the information I provide
confidential?
Yes. We are required by law to protect
any personal information we collect and
keep it strictly confidential.

How can I learn more about the
American Community Survey?
Visit our website at census.gov/acs,
or call the regional office nearest you.

Census Bureau Regional Offices
Atlanta
1-800-424-6974
AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC

Is the American Community Survey
the same as the decennial census?

Every Census Bureau employee takes an
oath to protect your personal information for
life.

Chicago
1-800-865-6384 (Option 1)
AR, IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, WI

No. The Census Bureau manages both,
but they are different. The decennial
census is conducted every 10 years.
The ACS is conducted every year.

The Census Bureau is not permitted to
publicly release your responses in a way
that could identify you.

Denver
1-888-209-7659
AZ, CO, KS, MT, ND,
NE, NM, OK, SD, TX, UT, WY

ACS data help determine the distribution of
more than $675 billion in federal funds to
communities nationwide every year.

Please respond now.
Your community is counting on you!

acs-50 (hu)_2022 update_draft1_update_revised.indd 2

Los Angeles
1-800-992-3530 (Option 1)
AK, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA
New York
1-800-991-2520 (Option 1)
CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PR, RI, VT
Philadelphia
1-866-238-1374
DC, DE, KY, MD, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV

8/23/2022 9:06:19 AM

Attachment H: FAQ Brochure

American Community Survey
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the American
Community Survey?
The American Community Survey
(ACS) collects demographic,
social, economic, and housing
data every year.
The ACS is conducted in all
U.S. states, American Indian and
Alaska Native areas, and
Hawaiian home lands.
The survey data help local
officials, community leaders, and
businesses respond to changes
taking place in their communities.

Is this a legitimate survey?
Yes. The Census Bureau conducts
the ACS under the authority of
Title 13, U.S. Code, Sections 141
and 193.
The U.S. Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) approved this
survey. The OMB approval
number is 0607-0810. We cannot
conduct the survey without
providing the OMB approval
number.
You can go online at
census.gov/acs or call
1-800-354-7271 to verify that the
ACS is a legitimate government
survey.

How can I respond to the
American Community Survey?
Do I have to answer the
survey?
Yes. Your response to this survey
is required by law (Title 13,
U.S. Code, Sections 141, 193, and
221).
To have accurate information
about your community, it is
critical that you respond.
Not many people are given an
opportunity to be the voice of
their community. Your response
matters!

If a Census Bureau interviewer is
at your door, you can complete
the survey now. Otherwise, you
can call the interviewer using the
information on the contact card.
If you want to complete the
survey on your own, you can
respond online. Your Census
Bureau interviewer can provide
you with your User ID so you can
log in on a smartphone, computer,
or tablet to complete the survey.

What do I do if I am unable
to complete the survey on my
own?
You may designate another
person to help you.

How can I learn more about the
American Community Survey?
Visit census.gov/acs or call the
U.S. Census Bureau regional office
nearest you.

If needed, a Census Bureau
interviewer may call or come to
your house to help you complete
the survey.

Atlanta: 1-800-424-6974
AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC

Your response is important
because it represents households
like yours.

Denver: 1-888-209-7659
AZ, CO, KS, MT, ND, NE,
NM, OK, SD, TX, UT, WY

Chicago: 1-800-865-6384 (Option 1)
AR, IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, WI

Los Angeles: 1-800-992-3530 (Option 1)
AK, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA
New York: 1-800-991-2520 (Option 1)
CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PR, RI, VT
Philadelphia: 1-866-238-1374
DC, DE, KY, MD, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV

Will the Census Bureau
protect my privacy?
Yes. The Census Bureau is
required by law to protect your
privacy and keep your survey
answers confidential (Title 13,
U.S. Code, Section 9.)
The Census Bureau is not
permitted to publicly release
responses in a way that could
identify you. By law, the Census
Bureau can only use responses
to produce statistics.
Every Census Bureau employee
takes an oath to protect your
personal information for life.

Send comments about any aspect
of this collection of information to:
Paperwork Reduction Project
U.S. Census Bureau
4600 Silver Hill Road
ADDC-4H277
Washington, DC 20233.
You may e-mail comments to
acso.pra@census.gov; use
“Paperwork Project” in the subject
line.

How does the American Community Survey
work for your community?
It starts when you complete
the survey for your household.

CENSUS BUREAU

Then, we combine survey
responses from across the country
and remove personally identifiable
information to create statistics.

Governments, businesses, and organizations
use the statistics to make informed decisions
about programs, products, and services
needed in communities across the country.

Your community may
need new or improved:
• Roads and bridges.
• Internet access.
• Health clinics.
• Businesses.
• Job training programs.
• Low income housing.
• Parks and recreation areas.

To learn how people use the survey data to help communities,
visit census.gov/acs-data-stories.
Issued January 2023
ACS-51 (HU)

Attachment H: Better Understanding Letter

<>
<>
<>
Dear <>:
A U.S. Census Bureau representative, <>, recently attempted to interview you for
the American Community Survey. I am writing to tell you more about the importance of this
survey and how your response can make a difference.
The American Community Survey is conducted by the Census Bureau. Your community can
use statistics created from this survey to determine where to build new schools, health clinics,
or businesses.
We are serious about protecting your privacy. We can only use survey answers to create
statistics. By law, we keep your answers confidential and secure. <> is a Census
Bureau employee sworn to protect your information and keep it confidential.
Your response matters! Please complete the survey online or call for an interview.
ONLINE
Go to: respond.census.gov/acs
Log in with your user ID:
<>

BY PHONE

Call <>
to schedule an interview with
<>

We will contact you in a few days if we do not hear from you or receive your response. If you
have additional questions, please call <>. Thank you for participating in the
American Community Survey.
Sincerely,

Program Supervisor

Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if the person who contacts me really works for the U.S. Census Bureau?
There are two ways to verify that a representative works for us.
BY PHONE: Call our regional office at <>.
ONLINE: Search our staff database at census.gov/staffsearch
It is easiest to search using only the last name.
What is the American Community Survey?
The American Community Survey is an ongoing survey that provides vital information on a
yearly basis. When governments, businesses, and community leaders need to make
important decisions that affect our lives, they often turn to the American Community Survey
for help.
To learn how real people use the data to make informed decisions visit:
census.gov/acs-data-stories
Why does the American Community Survey ask these questions?
The American Community Survey only asks questions when there is a government need
and if the information is not available anywhere else.
To learn why we ask each question visit: census.gov/acswhyweask
Why was I selected to participate in the survey?
The Census Bureau randomly selects about 3.5 million addresses throughout the country
each year to respond to this survey. Your address was selected through scientific sampling
and represents thousands of other households like yours.
Am I required to fill out the survey?
Yes. We are conducting this survey under the authority of Title 13, U.S. Code, Sections
141, 193, and 221. Your response to this survey is required by law. To create an accurate
picture of your community, it is critical that you respond.
Will my response be confidential?
Yes. The Census Bureau is required by law to protect this information. We are not
permitted to publicly release your responses in a way that could identify you. Federal law
protects your privacy and keeps your answers confidential (Title 13, U.S. Code, Section 9).

Attachment H: No One Home Letter

<>
<>
<>
Dear <>:
Your household has been selected to participate in the American Community Survey. A U.S. Census
Bureau representative, <>, recently attempted to interview you for the survey. We are
writing to ask for your participation.
WHAT IS THE AMERICAN
COMMUNITY SURVEY?

This is a nationwide survey conducted by the Census Bureau. The
survey asks questions about a variety of topics such as education,
employment, and more.

HOW DOES MY RESPONSE
HELP?

Governments, businesses, and communities use the survey
information to plan for projects like new schools and health clinics
as well as services for the elderly and veterans.

ARE MY ANSWERS
CONFIDENTIAL?

The Census Bureau is required to protect your information. We do
not publish individual responses to the survey. We can only use
survey answers to create statistics.

YOUR RESPONSE MATTERS! Please complete the survey online or call for an interview.

ONLINE
Go to: respond.census.gov/acs
Log in with your user ID:
<>

BY PHONE

Call <>
to schedule an interview with
<>

We will contact you in a few days if we don’t hear from you or receive your survey response. If you
have any other questions, call us at <>. Thank you for your participation.
Sincerely,

Program Supervisor

Attachment H: Refusal Letter

<>
<>
<>
Dear <>:
I understand you have concerns about completing the American Community Survey. I hope this
letter addresses your concerns.
Your answers are confidential. The U.S. Census Bureau is required by law to protect your
information. In fact, any employee who violates this law can be punished by imprisonment, a
fine of up to $250,000, or both.
Your response is so important that it is required by law (Title 13, U.S. Code, Sections 141, 193,
and 221). Communities across the country depend on facts and figures created from this survey
to determine where to build new schools, health clinics, or businesses.

Your response matters! Please respond today.
ONLINE
Go to: respond.census.gov/acs
Log in with your user ID:
<>

BY PHONE

Call <>
to schedule an interview with
<>

We will contact you in a few days if we do not receive your response.
If you have questions or concerns, please call <>. We are happy to help you.
Thank you for your participation.
Sincerely,

Program Supervisor

Attachment H: Confidentiality Letter

<>
<>
<>
Dear <>:
A U.S. Census Bureau representative recently attempted to interview you for the American
Community Survey. I am writing to assure you of our commitment to keep all survey
information confidential and secure.
We will protect your privacy. We can only use survey answers to create statistics. We are not
permitted to publicly release your responses in a way that could identify you.
Your answers are protected by law (Title 13, U.S. Code, Section 9). Any employee who violates
this law can be punished by imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
Your data are protected from cybersecurity risks. Per the Federal Cybersecurity Enhancement
Act of 2015, your data are protected from cybersecurity risks through screening of the systems
that transmit your data.
Your response matters. Please complete the survey online or call for an interview.
ONLINE
Go to: respond.census.gov/acs
Log in with your user ID:
<>

BY PHONE

Call <>
to schedule an interview with
<>

If you have additional questions, please call <>. Thank you for participating in
the American Community Survey.
Sincerely,

Program Supervisor

Attachment H: Final Attempt Letter

<>
<>
<>
Dear <>:
We are in the final days of collecting data for the American Community Survey. Your response
will help provide accurate information for your community and our nation.
We ask less than one percent of all U.S. households to complete this survey each month. People
from across the country respond. We need your response too. Please respond now.
Choose ONE way to complete the survey:
ONLINE
Go to: respond.census.gov/acs
Log in with your user ID:
<>

BY PHONE

Call <>
to schedule an interview with
<>

Your response is so important that it is required by law (Title 13, U.S. Code, Sections 141, 193,
and 221).
Thank you for responding to the American Community Survey. We value your time and
appreciate your participation.
Sincerely,

Program Supervisor

Para completer la Encuesta sobre la Comunidad Estadunidense en español:
Por internet — Vaya a respond.census.gov/acs. Haga clic en "Para completar en español, oprima aquí."
Por teléfono — Llame al 1-877-833-5625 para hablar en español con un empleado de la Oficina del Censo.

Attachment H ACS Internet Letter for Regional Offices (Given to respondent)

<>
<>
<>
Dear <>:
Your household has been selected to participate in the American Community Survey. The
information from this survey helps identify needs such as affordable housing, job training, and
emergency planning. Your response can make a difference in your community.
Please choose how you will complete the survey:
ONLINE
Go to: respond.census.gov/acs
Log in with your user ID:
<>

BY PHONE

Call <>
to schedule an interview with
<>

We will contact you soon by phone or in-person if we do not receive your response. During an
in-person visit the Census Bureau representative will present a photo ID that displays his or her
name, a Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date.
You are required by law to respond to the American Community Survey. This survey is
necessary because it provides detailed information that communities like yours use to
determine where to locate critical services such as schools, clinics, and businesses.
If you have any questions, please call <>. We are happy to help you. Thank you
for helping your community prepare for a better future.
Sincerely,

Program Supervisor

Attachment H: Management Building Access Letter

<>
<>
<>
<>
Dear <>:
A U.S. Census Bureau employee recently attempted to interview a resident(s) of your building
for one of our surveys, but they were not allowed access. The Census Bureau conducts this
mandatory survey by law (Title 13, U.S. Code). Please allow our Field Representative to enter
your building at <>.
Please know that every Census Bureau employee takes an oath to protect the information they
collect. Any employee who violates this law can be punished by imprisonment, a fine of up to
$250,000, or both. All survey information remains completely private and confidential.
How can you tell if an interviewer is a legitimate Census Bureau employee?
•

IN PERSON: The interviewer will present a photo ID that displays his or her name,
a Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date.

•

ONLINE: Search <> in our staff database at census.gov/staffsearch. It is
easiest to search using only the last name.

•

BY PHONE: Call our regional office at <>.

Our staff will return soon to conduct interviews. Because our surveys are ongoing, staff may
also need to return in the future to conduct interviews with different residents.
If you have any questions, please call <>. We are happy to help.
Sincerely,

Program Supervisor

Attachment H: Management Gated Community

<>
<>
<>
<>
Dear <>:
A U.S. Census Bureau employee recently attempted to interview a resident(s) of your gated
community for one of our surveys, but they were not allowed access. The Census Bureau
conducts this mandatory survey by law (Title 13, U.S. Code). Please allow our Field
Representative to enter <>.
Please know that every Census Bureau employee takes an oath to protect the information they
collect. Any employee who violates this law can be punished by imprisonment, a fine of up to
$250,000, or both. All survey information remains completely private and confidential.
How can you tell if an interviewer is a legitimate Census Bureau employee?
•

IN PERSON: The interviewer will present a photo ID that displays his or her name,
a Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date.

•

ONLINE: Search <> in our staff database at census.gov/staffsearch. It is
easiest to search using only the last name.

•

BY PHONE: Call our regional office at <>.

Program Supervisor

Attachment H: Please Call Me Letter

<>
<>
<>
Dear <>:
Your household has been selected by the U.S. Census Bureau to participate in the American
Community Survey.
The survey helps your local government, businesses, and nonprofit organizations meet the
needs of your community. Your response matters!
Please respond online or by phone today.
ONLINE
Go to: respond.census.gov/acs
Log in with your user ID:
<>

BY PHONE

Call <>
to schedule an interview with
<>

If you have any questions, please call <>. You can also learn more about the
survey at census.gov/acs.
Thank you for your participation.
Sincerely,

Regional Director

Attachment H: Seasonal Home Letter

<>
Name of Person
<>
Dear Sir or Madam:
The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting a survey authorized by Title 13, U.S. Code (Sections 141,
193, and 221). <> has been randomly selected to participate in the survey.
Unfortunately, we have not been able to contact anyone living at this address. We think this
property may be occupied only occasionally or only during some seasons.
Do you know if this residence is vacant or if someone lives there? Please call <> at
<> to let us know the status of this residence.
You can verify that <> is a Census Bureau employee at census.gov/staffsearch. It is
easiest to search using only the last name. In person, all employees are required to show a
photo ID that displays his or her name, a Department of Commerce watermark, and an
expiration date.
If you have any questions or concerns call us at <>. We greatly appreciate your
cooperation.
Sincerely,

Program Supervisor

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Author	OneFormUser
File Modified	2024-04-22
File Created	2022-05-03