The Census Bureau started the Household Pulse Survey (HPS) as an experimental endeavor to provide near-real time data on how people's lives have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. To move the survey forward and learn from previous data collection cycles, the Census Bureau is taking steps to assess and strengthen the research design of this important project.   

One potential enhancement relates to how survey respondents are initially contacted. Beginning in Week 48 (July 27-August 8, 2022), the HPS began testing the utility of using a shortened URL in short-message service (SMS) text invitations for respondent contact. This approach allows for more SMS messages to be sent at reduced cost.   

In addition, to reduce both administrative cost and respondent burden, the HPS team is researching improvements in the email address frame to improve overall email deliverability and coverage.  The overall goal is to improve  email response by removing unused and  outdated email addresses that routinely bounce (are undeliverable) and use fewer, more effective email addresses to reach  respondents.