WASHINGTON -- The 2020 Census has begun and most military households are responsible for submitting their own 2020 Census form online, by phone, or by mail.
As a member of the military, you and your family understand what it means to serve your country. You can provide another great service to your country and community by responding to the 2020 Census.
Every 10 years, the federal government counts everyone who lives in the United States. The count is required by the Constitution and is a foundation of our democracy, because the population of each state determines the number of representatives it has in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Responses to the 2020 Census will drive decisions on how more than $675 billion in federal funds is distributed each year for the next 10 years. That’s money that is used for education, housing, health care, emergency services like firefighting, and more.
Service members and their families are counted with the household if that is where they live, but active duty service members may face some special circumstances.
Here’s how to be counted if:
- You are stationed or living in the United States, and you are NOT deployed elsewhere - Unless you are staying in military barracks or dormitories on April 1, 2020, you should fill out a 2020 Census form for your household and list everyone who lives there.
- You are staying in military barracks or dormitories on April 1, 2020 - Census Bureau employees will work with a representative of the building to ensure you are counted. They may or may not ask you to complete an individual census form. If your family is living off base, they should fill out a 2020 Census form for that household, but they should not list you on that form.
- You are stationed or deployed outside the United States, or you are assigned to a military vessel with a homeport outside the United States, as of April 1, 2020 - The Census Bureau will use data from the U.S. Department of Defense to count you (and any family members that are living with you overseas). If your family is living in the United States, they should fill out a 2020 Census form for that household, but they should not list you on that form. (Note: “Outside the United States” includes any place that is outside the 50 States and Washington D.C.)
For more information, visit 2020CENSUS.GOV.