Posted by MonicaFL on 3/10/10 10:29am
Msg #326243

The Census Bureau and IDs

I am going to take a training class to be a census taker next week. I was told I needed to bring two forms of ID, one being my Driver's license. I said well that's no problem, I also have my military ID. Guess what - the military ID cannot be used! Now this is a government issued ID card and clearly states on it that it is the "property of US Government" (quote taken directly off of the back of my card) And the Defense Department form number is 1173. And, at least that piece of ID tells my weight, DOB, height, hair color, eye color, SS #, has my picture on it as well as my signature. Whereas my SS card will show only my name and signature. The United States government won't accept one of its own ID cards for identification. Doesn't make too much sense to me.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 3/10/10 10:31am
Msg #326244

That is crazy!

Reply by bagger on 3/10/10 10:37am
Msg #326245

I bet they would accept a green card!

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/10/10 1:40pm
Msg #326294

rofl

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 3/10/10 1:48pm
Msg #326296

What do you expect from a government that sends out a letter to let you know they will be sending you the census form at a later date. What a waste of money.

Reply by jba/fl on 3/10/10 1:58pm
Msg #326299

M-man - I got one of those yesterday and am astounded

at the stupidity of it all. What is with that letter saying we will be getting important forms? If the recipent considers this junk mail, the census form will be junk mail too??? What a waste of money to be sure! Are we continuing to print more and more and get less and less? You betcha!

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 3/10/10 2:01pm
Msg #326300

Re: M-man - I got one of those yesterday and am astounded

Guess they are trying to give the post office business. LOL

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 3/10/10 2:18pm
Msg #326307

Thing is I'm not so sure the Census form came via USPS

Mine was in a plastic bag hung on my fence...my mail in my mailbox...???

Reply by JanetK_CA on 3/10/10 2:52pm
Msg #326323

Re: Thing is I'm not so sure the Census form came via USPS

Could have been spam. I don't believe the US Census would use door hangers. There have been some informative posts here, but my understanding is that personal visits will only come if people don't reply to the mailed form. Lots of spammers out there, though, trying to collect personal info.

The letter that showed up yesterday wasn't a form, just a reminder that the form is coming and to be sure to complete it and send it in, with a note as to why it's important to the recipient.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 3/10/10 4:01pm
Msg #326338

Yep...I got that letter a couple weeks ago

and the other day this bag on my fence with my US Census form inside...<<shrug>>

Reply by JanetK_CA on 3/10/10 5:11pm
Msg #326354

Maybe the fence 'cause of your rural location?? n/m

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 3/10/10 5:23pm
Msg #326360

Re: Yep...I got that letter a couple weeks ago

You are in a rural area. Most people won't be getting their census forms until next week sometime, however: (from the census.gov website)

"Census workers last week started hand-delivering census forms to another 9 percent of addresses in areas where many households lack traditional city-style postal addresses. Hand-delivery of 2010 Census forms is also occurring along hurricane-affected areas of the Gulf Coast."
So, I guess they left it on your fence because only mail with postage is supposed to be put into mail boxes.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 3/10/10 5:24pm
Msg #326362

Re: Yep...I got that letter a couple weeks ago

I think Janet is correct. The Census form is supposed to be mailed (in mailbox). You might want to double check the forms you received on your fence.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 3/10/10 2:03pm
Msg #326302

I got that letter, too... first thing I

said was, "They wasted money to tell me to expect a census form? It's 2010... of course I expect the Census form to show up eventually."

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/10/10 2:52pm
Msg #326322

100 for not doing and 500 for lying

are the fines that you *might* have to pay if you refuse or lie!

so now I am going to have to look as I have 3 in college that DO NOT LIVE with us but we support them financially ... so do they have their own form or do we add them on ours?

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 3/10/10 4:15pm
Msg #326342

Re: 100 for not doing and 500 for lying

Is your home address their address or do they live on their own - IOW each with the own apartment...if each has his own apartment then no, you don't count them....only the ones that LIVE with you.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 3/10/10 2:02pm
Msg #326301

It's not all that crazy....


It's NOT the Census... but it's actually federal law. If you look at the I-9 form, you are told which documents are used to satisfy proof of being eligible to work. You can use a DL or a Military ID (Column A or B), but you must ALSO present something from column C, such as a birth certificate or social security card.

The point is to not only verify your identity, but also prove you are a citizen and are eligible to work.

See:

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-9.pdf