Every day, a small number of businesses and households receive a census or a survey from the U.S. Census Bureau. To address the issues raised by those we ask to participate in our censuses or surveys, the Census Bureau created the Office of the Respondent Advocate.

If you have issues with a survey you received from the Census Bureau, or concerns about your interaction with one of our representatives, the Respondent Advocate will work directly with you to resolve those issues.

The Respondent Advocate listens to your feedback and shares it directly with those who manage our surveys. Based on your input, we work to improve the processes and procedures that affect the businesses and people we ask to participate in our surveys.

The Census Bureau depends on the cooperation and participation of the public in order to produce high quality statistical information about the people and economy of the United States – information that the nation depends on.

Responses to the questions we ask in a survey are only used to produce statistics. All responses are confidential. We never identify your business or household.

If you are a staff member of a Congressional office who has been contacted by a constituent about one of our surveys, we can assist you as well.

Tom Edwards and Ruth Chan are the Respondent Advocates for Household Surveys including the American Community Survey, Decennial Census, and many others. You can reach Tom or Ruth at (888) 609-0563 or at respondent-advocate@census.gov.

Nishea Quash is the Respondent Advocate for the Business and Economic Surveys including the Economic Census, Service Annual Survey, and many others. You can reach Nishea at (888) 609-0563 or at respondent-advocate@census.gov.

If you have ideas, suggestions, or specific concerns about our interaction with you, please contact us so we can assist you.