Census night is Tuesday 11 August 2026 - here's what carers need to know

Every five years, the Australian Bureau of Statistics counts every person and household in Australia. Census night this year is Tuesday 11 August 2026. Here's what carers need to know, whether you're helping someone else complete their form or working out how to complete your own. 

What to expect

From late July 2026, most households will get a letter with instructions to complete the Census online. Some households will get a paper form instead, and if someone is in a hospital or care facility on Census night, staff will provide a form. 

Completing your own Census as a carer

Where you're counted depends on your situation on Census night.  

If you're staying overnight at the home of the person you support on Tuesday 11 August, you can be included on the Census form for that household. You can also complete a separate form online, or request your own paper form if preferred.

Make sure you are counted as a carer

The Census will include a question asking if you have provided unpaid care, help or assistance to a person with a disability, health condition or to someone who is ageing.  

This question is how you can indicate that you are a carer and ensure that your experiences as a carer are reflected in the data.  

You don't have to finish it in one go

• If you're completing it online, you can save your progress and come back later using your 16-digit Census number and the password you set. It's worth setting a password recovery option too, in case you forget it
• If you have a paper form, you can store it somewhere safe and finish it when you're ready.

Helping someone else to complete the Census

If the person you care for asks you to help them fill out their form, a few things are worth keeping in mind:

• Make sure they're specifically asking you to help.
• Encourage them to enter their own information where they can.
• If you're helping someone who isn't able to answer the questions themselves, provide as much information as you can - your best estimate is fine if you're not sure of an exact detail.
• Get them to check the completed form before it's submitted, and make sure they sign and submit it themselves if possible (this applies to both paper and online forms).
• If you're completing a paper form on their behalf, seal it in the Reply Paid envelope provided and send it back.
• Keep their information confidential - don't discuss it with anyone else. 

Accessibility resources

Blind or low vision: the Census website and online form work with screen readers. Braille forms and MP3 audio files will be available on the website, and paper forms in braille (Grade 1 or Grade 2) or large print can be ordered at census.abs.gov.au/contact or by calling 1800 181 227 (from 6 July 2026).

Deaf or find it hard to hear or speak with people: the website will include Auslan video guides and closed captioned videos with transcripts. The National Relay Service can help with phone calls.

Help understanding English: an Easy Read factsheet on the website uses words and images to explain what to do and where to get help - useful for anyone not familiar with English, or with dyslexia, intellectual disability, learning difficulties or low literacy.

Help in your language: call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450.

For more information and resources on accessibility click here.

Need help completing the Census?

If you need help with completing the Census or just have a question, the Australian Bureau of Statistics will be offering in-person support across NSW, this includes: 

• Pop-up Hubs
• Fill in the form sessions
• Information sessions  
• Census staff in remote communities.  

Find support near you at: Get help near you | Census Information or call 1800 181 227