Do the elderly, disabled, or those in poor health, have to respond to the American Community Survey (ACS)?

Yes. However, if you are unable to complete the ACS a trusted individual or relative, with your permission, may complete the survey online or fill out the paper questionnaire. Alternatively, a trusted individual or relative can call us toll-free on 1-800-354-7271 and complete the survey over the phone as your proxy. While responding to the ACS may be more challenging for people who are older or disabled, everyone's information is very important. For example, statistics about the size, distribution, and needs of the disabled and older population are used by several federal agencies to ensure that everyone has access to adequate housing, transportation, and services. An address cannot be removed from the ACS sample, as the validity of sample data for important groups would quickly deteriorate if selected households were exempted.