ONS Tells Survey Recipients to Use the Link in Their Letter

The Office for National Statistics has reminded people selected for its surveys that they must use the exact URL sent to them by post or email, and can call a free helpline if they need help.

The Office for National Statistics posted the reminder in response to a user query, making clear that anyone trying to access an ONS survey through a general web search will be locked out. The survey can only be reached via the specific URL provided in the official invitation letter or email, along with a household access code or login details depending on which survey the respondent has been selected for.

For Kent households that receive an ONS survey invitation, that means keeping the letter or email to hand. Don’t bin it before you’ve completed the questionnaire. Some surveys ask respondents to submit their answers within seven days of receiving the email invitation, and some require a 16-character access code to enter the questionnaire — details that can’t be retrieved through a standard Google search.

Not every ONS survey is online. The Shape Tomorrow and Lifestyle surveys can both be completed by telephone, which may suit Kent residents with limited internet access. The Survey Enquiry Line handles calls for those surveys as well as general access queries.

The ONS guidance also flags a practical safety point — using the named helpline and the exact link from an official letter helps respondents avoid phishing attempts or fake survey sites that can mimic legitimate government questionnaires.

Key information

• Use the URL in your letter or email — a general search will not give you access to your survey
• Survey Enquiry Line: 0800 298 5313 — free to call, covers access problems and telephone completion for eligible surveys
• Shape Tomorrow and Lifestyle surveys can be completed by phone via the same number
• Some surveys have a seven-day deadline from receipt of the email invitation — check your letter for the specific deadline