But city officials want people to beware of possible scams. So today they showed off the official bags and badges that all census workers will carry. And they reminded Chicagoans that census workers will not ask for information such as social security numbers, credit card and bank information.
The city says that for every person who is not counted Chicago loses $19,000 over ten years.
"Now this is free money. Free money. We can have this money. All we have to do is fill out the census form and send it back. Now tell me anyone who's logically thinking wouldn't send back a form where you can get money," said Ald. Ed Smith, 28th Ward.
Sixty three percent of Chicagoans have mailed in their completed census forms.
