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Original poster

Census

104 replies

sidesplittinglol · 19/03/2021 22:44

Not an AIBU but I know this topic gets traffic.

Wondered if anyone knows the right answer -

Can the census form be filled out before? I've submitted mine and it went through fine no problem.

However, the letter says to be completed on Sunday or a few days after but yet online it says you can fill it once you receive your letter.

So which is it?

I'm hoping I haven't done it wrong by completing it before Sunday.

OP posts:

Camomila · 20/03/2021 22:21

Just did it....made sure I was 'person number 1' for feminist reasons.

The interesting quirk I found was that it asked me my 4 year olds "national Identity" (fair enough) but also my 1 year olds (he hasn't got an opinion yet)....but then for main language it asked for my 4 year olds main language but not my 1 year olds.

ShipOfTheseus · 20/03/2021 22:33

I added my student child, but left some of the voluntary questions blank. I also cannot fill in much about my lodger, as I just don’t know. I’ll have to get her to fill those in. One of my teenage children lives abroad and I wasn’t sure where she fits in the form.

Xenia · 21/03/2021 07:25

I was surprised for my student who lives at home this year it wanted the personal details it asked about me -= the detailed ones but not the student who lives in student accommodation in term time. I know for the latter we fill it in at home and then he fills it in again for his university accommodation on his own form for that property so am hoping they ask those questions there otherwise that is a bit strange.

goingtotown · 21/03/2021 07:41

Request a paper form 0800 328 2021

SoupDragon · 21/03/2021 09:01

so am hoping they ask those questions there otherwise that is a bit strange.

Apparently they do - at least DS2 tells me one of his flat mates did indeed put "Jedi" as his religion so they definitely got that far!

LIZS · 21/03/2021 12:33

Disappointed nowhere mentions unpaid or voluntary work.

Xenia · 21/03/2021 13:15

It mentions caring somewhere but that is more for if you help care for a relative. I think you are right it does not mention other voluntary work.

censusresearch · 21/03/2021 14:08

@LIZS

Disappointed nowhere mentions unpaid or voluntary work.

I think it should, it's a missed opportunity for sure.

Original poster

sidesplittinglol · 21/03/2021 14:16

@latedecember1963

My mum is not online and was getting very het up about not being able to get through by phone to request a paper form. I filled it in online for her on Tuesday evening by asking her for her responses by phone. She was rather perplexed by the question asking if she had a door on her bathroom. DS2 has completed one for his uni address because that's where he will be tomorrow. I work with Y5 children and I found some examples of 1821 census records for them to look at and they were fascinated by the idea that they could find out about real people from the past. When my friend completes hers she will have to put her marital status as widow for the 1st time which I'm sure will feel strange.

That is strange. I never had a question regarding bathroom doors on mine?

OP posts:

Original poster

sidesplittinglol · 21/03/2021 14:17

@Sparklingbrook

I had to ask DH exactly what he does because I am never exactly sure what his job title is.

I had to do the same but I got DH to complete his section out himself.

OP posts:

ShipOfTheseus · 21/03/2021 14:21

Have I done it wrongly re student child? I put my student child down, even though she is away at uni in her student flat today.

Sparklingbrook · 21/03/2021 14:41

@ShipOfTheseus

Have I done it wrongly re student child? I put my student child down, even though she is away at uni in her student flat today.

Did you say that she spends more than 30 days a year at a different address?

LifeOfBriony · 21/03/2021 14:50

@gurglebelly

The thing that bothers me, is that they will use the answers to these questions for planning purposes e.g traffic etc, but it asks you to fill in the working from home questions based on what you are doing now.

Well no I don't commute now, because we are in lockdown and have been asked to work from home. In June it will be a different matter because we will be going back to the office

Exactly - it's the same for me.

I went back and added to my job description "WFH due to pandemic". I may also go back to it and add my employer's postcode to the organisation name.

TurquoiseDragon · 21/03/2021 14:52

I've ended up filling in the census for my ex. He died, and no one lives at his house right now, as it's still waiting for probate.

SchrodingersImmigrant · 21/03/2021 14:54

@TurquoiseDragon

I've ended up filling in the census for my ex. He died, and no one lives at his house right now, as it's still waiting for probate.

I wouldn't think dead people would... Need it... I would assume the address would be stiked off if they were notified?

censusresearch · 21/03/2021 15:02

@ShipOfTheseus

Have I done it wrongly re student child? I put my student child down, even though she is away at uni in her student flat today.

No, that's right, they go on the form at university and home.

LIZS · 21/03/2021 16:22

Is it possible to check/amend after submission?

Original poster

sidesplittinglol · 21/03/2021 16:59

@LIZS

Is it possible to check/amend after submission?

I don't think you can. I signed back in and it said someone has already submitted under the code.

OP posts:

latedecember1963 · 21/03/2021 19:35

I'd misunderstood the question, Sidesplittinglol. A pp explained that it meant a front door to the property meaning any bathroom was for the sole use of the occupiers, not a door on the bathroom.

murasaki · 21/03/2021 20:33

I did the main house bit and mine then assed the laptop to DP. He's a groundworker in construction, so on the 'what does your job mainly entail' bit, he put digging holes and filling them in.

Oh dear. True though, I suppose.

murasaki · 21/03/2021 20:33

passed, not assed, clearly!!

Original poster

sidesplittinglol · 21/03/2021 21:04

@latedecember1963

I'd misunderstood the question, Sidesplittinglol. A pp explained that it meant a front door to the property meaning any bathroom was for the sole use of the occupiers, not a door on the bathroom.

Ah sorry I must have missed the reply 🤦🏻‍♀️

OP posts:

Abraxan · 21/03/2021 21:09

@Rummikub

So if my dd is at uni right now I don’t put her in?

She will probably be added to both, but linked via her home and term time address.

Dd did hers at university, using her term time address.

I did mine this afternoon and it asks you to include students living away from home, so I did. When completing the next bit for her it asked me to confirm she was a student and asked for her term time address.

The address and personal details will link her as the same person.

Rummikub · 21/03/2021 21:12

Thank you Abraxan

Abraxan · 21/03/2021 21:15

It's not unusual in some of the very old census records to have people appearing more than once - sometimes in the family house and then again as a visitor.

It can get confusing! I assume computer systems will make this less of an issue this time.

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