Age Discrimination Charges Generally Must Be Filed With the EEOC Within 180 Days
The Fact
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says a discrimination charge generally must be filed within 180 calendar days of the discriminatory act. For age discrimination, the deadline extends to 300 days only if a state or local agency enforces a state or local law that also prohibits age discrimination.
What This Means
If you believe you were not hired or were let go because of your age, there is a clock. Waiting too long can cost you the right to file.
Why It Matters
Knowing the deadline turns a bad experience into an option you can still act on.
Sources
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. “Time Limits for Filing a Charge.” https://www.eeoc.gov/time-limits-filing-charge
Related Facts
- Is Age Discrimination Illegal? Yes — for Workers 40 and Older.
- Can Employers Use AI to Screen You Out Legally? Discrimination Law Still Applies.
- Same Resume, Older Age — Fewer Callbacks? Yes, in a 40,000-Application Test.
- Can a Job Ad's Wording Screen Out Older Workers as Well as Open Discrimination?