Annual Survey of Public Pensions: State & Local Data

Public Pensions Component Questions and Answers

Why should I complete this form?  What is the purpose of this survey?

This survey provides measures on revenue, expenditures, investments, and membership for all of the state and local government employment retirement systems in the United States.  The U.S. Congress, federal agencies, state governments, other local governments, educational and research organizations, and the general public use the results of our data collection.  The information collected serves as an integral part of the foundation for developing national economic and public policy by measuring public activity. 

Is this survey mandatory?

Participation in this important survey is voluntary and there are no penalties for not answering questions.  However, it is very important that we have your cooperation to ensure the quality of our data. This survey is authorized by Title 13, United States Code, Section 161.

How do I get taken off your mailing list?

Your participation is very important to us.  The Census of Governments is only conducted once every five years and is an important benchmark for our data in interim years.  We cannot substitute other government units because it would harm the quality of the data we collect.

Why did I receive this survey?

If you received the Survey of Public Pensions, we have determined your entity is one of the approximately 4,000 public employee retirement systems in the United States.  Every five years (years ending in ‘2’ and ‘7’) we conduct a census, in which we attempt to collect financial data from all public employee retirement systems.  For the four years between our censuses, we collect data from a sample of public retirement systems in which case some systems are not surveyed.

The name of our government and/or contact information is incorrect.  How do I get it changed?

To have your government name and/or contact information corrected in our database, contact a member of the Public Pensions Team.
Phone:  1-800-832-2839 (Weekdays 7am to 5pm ET)
Email:    govs.pensions@census.gov

For which fiscal year should we report data?

A survey year includes each individual government’s fiscal year that ended between July 1 of the previous year and June 30 of the survey year. Therefore, survey year 2012 covers individual government fiscal years that ended from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

When is the Survey of Public Pensions due? How do I request a time extension?

The survey is due on January 28, 2013.

To request a time extension for completing the survey, please contact a member of the Public Pensions team.
Phone:  1-800-832-2839 (Weekdays 7am to 5pm ET)
Email:    govs.pensions@census.gov

How do I correct data after I have already submitted the survey?

If you have already submitted data for your government or agency and would like to make a correction, please contact a member of the Public Pensions Team.
Phone:  1-800-832-2839 (Weekdays 7am to 5pm ET)
Email:    govs.pensions@census.gov

In the past I’ve only sent you my financial statements, will that suffice this year?

We feel that you are in the best position to accurately report your government or agency’s finances.  We use your financial statements to aid in our review of the data you report.  If you are still unable to complete the form, please send us your annual financial report or financial statements for the fiscal year period requested.

Is there a fine if I do not complete this survey?

Participation in this important survey is voluntary and there are no penalties for not answering questions.  However, it is very important that we have your cooperation to ensure the quality of our data. 

Where can I obtain a paper copy of the Survey of Public Pensions?

You can access all forms relating to the Survey of Public Pensions and the Census of Governments by year at http://www.census.gov/govs/cog2012/cog_finance.html.

How do I confirm the Census Bureau received my data?

If you have completed the survey through the web application, you can select the “Print Confirmation Screen” option at the bottom of the Submission Confirmation screen.  A submission confirmation message will also be displayed on the Main Menu screen.

If you have submitted your survey by mail, fax or over the phone you can contact a member of the Public Pension team by phone at 1-800-832-2839 weekdays 7am to 5pm ET, or by email at govs.pensions@census.gov.

How do I contact a member of the Public Pensions team?

You can contact a member of the Public Pensions team by phone at 1-800-832-2839 weekdays 7am to 5pm ET, or by email at govs.pensions@census.gov.

There are new data items on the 2012 survey form, but we only have aggregated or limited data available in our records. What should we report?
It is important that you complete the survey to the best of your abilities.  Reasonable estimates are acceptable. If you are unable to provide the data by the due date, please contact a member of the Public Pensions team to request an extension.

Phone:  1-800-832-2839 (Weekdays 7am to 5pm ET)
Email:    govs.pensions@census.gov