How to File a Claim with the EEOC

Sexual harassment claims can be made to the EEOC.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 assigned the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to enforce anti-discrimination laws in the workplace. The EEOC investigates allegations of bias based on race, age, nationality, religion or gender. The office negotiates any agreements made after charges are filed, and may also in some cases appear in court as the plaintiff in a case of discrimination.

Instructions

In Person

1. Gather any supporting documentation for your case, such as a letter informing you of your dock in pay or a reprimand from your boss.

2. Obtain the contact information for anyone who might have witnessed the discrimination.

3. Contact the nearest EEOC field office. A list can be found in the Resources section. Each office has different rules regarding appointments and walk-ins.

4. Bring your supporting documentation with you to your meeting. You can bring anyone you want, including a lawyer, though you don't need a lawyer to file a charge. If you need language help, you might want to consider bringing an interpreter.

By Mail

1. Write your name, address and telephone number.

2. Include the name, address and number of the employer or other group you are filing a claim against.

3. Add the number of employees who work at the company, if you know the head count.

4. Describe the events that led you to believe you were being discriminated against. Include when the events happened and why you believe they were discriminatory.

5. Sign the letter. Without a signature, the EEOC will not investigate. Send the letter to the nearest EEOC office.

Tips & Warnings

• Generally, you must file a claim within 180 days of the events in which you were discriminated against.

• If you file a claim with a local or state fair employment office, your claim usually will also be transferred to the EEOC.

• While you can't file a charge online, the EEOC offers an online assessment tool you can use to determine whether you've been discriminated against. A link to the site is in the Resources section.

References

• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Office: How to File a Charge of Employment Discrimination

Resources

• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Office: EEOC Office List and Jurisdictional Map
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Office: EEOC Assessment System