How to File a Charge of Employment Discrimination

We are here to serve you!

A charge of discrimination is a signed statement asserting that an organization engaged in employment discrimination. It requests EEOC to take remedial action. The laws enforced by EEOC, except for the Equal Pay Act, require you to file a charge before you can file a lawsuit for unlawful discrimination. There are strict time limits for filing a charge.

Time Limits for Filing a Charge

Where the discrimination took place can determine how long you have to file a charge. The 180-calendar-day filing deadline is extended to 300- calendar days if a state or local agency enforces a state or local law that prohibits employment discrimination on the same basis. The rules are slightly different for age discrimination charges. For age discrimination, the filing deadline is only extended to 300 days if there is a state law prohibiting age discrimination in employment and a state agency or authority enforcing that law. The deadline is not extended if only a local law prohibits age discrimination.

Online - Use the EEOC Public Portal to Submit an Inquiry, Schedule an Appointment, and File a Charge

As a first step, we ask you to access the EEOC Public Portal to submit an inquiry about the issue you wish to discuss. You will be asked to schedule a telephone interview, interview by video, or an in-person interview at one of our 53 EEOC offices. As noted above, there are strict deadlines for filing a charge of discrimination. If your filing deadline is fast approaching, please contact 1-866-408-8075 to ask for an immediate interview.  You may also visit an EEOC office to discuss your matter.

In Person at an EEOC Office

Our offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Changes to the operating status of specific offices, including temporary closures, can be found at EEOC Field Offices | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If you prefer not to wait for an appointment to become available in the Public Portal and instead wish to speak with an EEOC staff member immediately, you may visit one of our 53 EEOC offices in person. Please note that we will make every effort to take your Charge of Discrimination during your visit.  In some instances, staff may not be able to conduct a full interview but will instead answer your questions and share key information, including next steps for filing a charge. Individuals who have scheduled in-person appointments through the Public Portal will be seen at the scheduled appointment time. Walk-ins will be seen on a “first come, first served basis,” with those having imminent filing deadlines seen first.

By Telephone

Although we do not take charges over the phone, you can get the process started over the phone. You can call 1-800-669-4000 to discuss your situation.  A representative will ask you for some basic information to determine if your situation is covered by the laws we enforce and explain how to file a charge. 

At a State or Local Fair Employment Practice Agency

Many states and localities have agencies that enforce laws prohibiting employment discrimination. EEOC refers to these agencies as Fair Employment Practices Agencies (FEPAs). EEOC and some FEPAs have worksharing agreements in place to prevent the duplication of effort in charge processing. According to these agreements, if you file a charge with either EEOC or a FEPA, the charge also will be automatically filed with the other agency. This process, which is defined as dual filing, helps to protect charging party rights under both federal and state or local law. If you file a charge at a state or local agency, you can let them know if you also want your charge filed with the EEOC.

By Mail

If you have 60 days or fewer in which to file a timely charge, the EEOC Public Portal will provide special directions for providing necessary information to the EEOC and how to file your charge quickly.

You can also file a charge by sending us a letter that includes the following information:

• Your name, address, email, and telephone number
• The name, address, email, and telephone number of the employer (or employment agency or union) you want to file your charge against
• The number of employees employed there (if known)
• A short description of the actions you believe were discriminatory (for example, you were fired, demoted, harassed)
• When the discriminatory actions took place
• Why you believe you were discriminated against (for example, because of your race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or retaliation
• Your signature

Don't forget to sign your letter. If you don't sign it, we cannot investigate it.

Your letter will be reviewed and if more information is needed, we will contact you to gather that information.