DocketX / Fired, laid off, unpaid / How to File an EEOC Charge

How to File an EEOC Charge

You believe your employer treated you unfairly because of your race, sex, age, disability, or another protected characteristic, or that they punished you for reporting a problem. That feeling of being singled out or silenced can be confusing and isolating. You may not know what steps to take or whether anyone will listen. There is a real, ordered set of options available to you, and understanding the mechanics of the first step can help you decide what to do next.

The honest reality

Not every unfair or even cruel action at work is illegal. For a claim to be valid under federal employment law, the mistreatment must be directly tied to a protected characteristic (like race or religion) or to a specific protected activity (like complaining about discrimination). If the treatment was harsh but not based on a legally protected reason, it likely does not qualify for a charge.

Your real options, cheapest first

1. Free: complain to the EEOC. Start here: this page walks through the actual filing process, including the option to start online, and connects you to your local field office. Start here.
2. A written request or demand first. Gather your basic facts before you start: employer name and size, what happened, when, and who was involved; the intake process asks for this and having it ready speeds things up.
3. Small claims court, where the amount is calculable. Filing a charge itself has no fee and doesn't require a lawyer; most people file it themselves.
4. A lawsuit or full agency case. After the agency finishes its process, it will issue a right-to-sue letter (or you can request one after a waiting period), and that's the point at which an employment lawyer becomes relevant if you want to pursue a lawsuit.

A warning on deadlines: every agency in the options above runs on its own filing deadline, and those deadlines are short and vary by agency, by claim, and by state. Do not estimate one from anything you read here, go to the agency's own page linked above and check its current deadline immediately, before you do anything else.

You don't need a lawyer to start

You are allowed to do this yourself

A regulator complaint, and for pay disputes small claims court, are both built for people without lawyers. Read our pro se guide for how self-representation actually works, our what happened at work triage tool if you are not even sure what category this falls into, and if a lawyer's cost is the blocker at any stage, our can't-afford-a-lawyer triage covers every free and low-cost path, including legal aid.

Questions

What exactly is a charge, and what does it do?

A charge is a signed document you submit to the federal agency that enforces workplace discrimination laws. It starts an official process where the agency will investigate your claim and decide whether there is reasonable cause to believe discrimination or retaliation occurred.

How do I actually start the charge? Do I need a lawyer?

You can start by contacting the agency directly by phone, online, or in person to begin an intake interview. You do not need a lawyer to file a charge, but some people choose to have one review their situation first. The agency will help you complete the required forms during the intake process.

What information will I need to provide when I file?

You will need your name and contact information, your employer's name and address, a clear description of what happened and when, and the specific reason you believe the treatment was illegal (such as your race, age, or disability). You should also mention any witnesses or documents that support your story.

Not legal advice and not a law firm. We don't predict outcomes, and deadlines and dollar thresholds vary by state and by claim, check your state's page before you rely on any number. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: start at lsc.gov.