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How to File a State or Federal Discrimination Claim

To file a state complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights

Contact the nearest office (listed below) of the Division of Human Rights. There is no filing fee. You may file a complaint within one year of the unlawful discriminatory act. When you do:

  1. Have names, titles, addresses, and phone numbers of all persons alleged to have discriminated against you.
  2. Bring along any documentation that supports the allegation made in your complaint.
  3. If possible, supply the correct names and addresses of any witnesses to the alleged act(s) of discrimination.

Offices of the New York State Division of Human Rights:

  • 20 Exchange Place
    New York, NY 10005
    (212) 480-2522
  • Adam Clayton Powel State Office Building
    163 W. 125th Street, 4th Floor
    New York, NY 10027
    (212) 961-8650
  • One Fordham Plaza, 4th Floor
    Bronx, New York 10458
    (718) 741-8400
  • 55 Hanson Place, Room 304
    Brooklyn, NY 11217
    (718) 722-2856

To file a federal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

You should call the office to obtain information or schedule an appointment.?The office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and the phone number and address are listed below.

You will need to know:

  • Your name, address, and telephone number;
  • The name, address, and telephone number of the employer, employment agency, or union that you believe has discriminated against you, and number of employees, if known;
  • A short description of the the event that caused you to believe that your rights were violated; and
  • The date(s) of the alleged violation(s).

EEOC Contact Information:

  1. Are you (or your spouse if married filing jointly) between the ages of 25 and 64?
  2. Are you NOT the dependent of another person?
  3. Are you NOT the qualifying child of another person?
  4. Did you live in the U.S. for more than half of the year?
  5. Is your earned income and adjusted gross income less than $11,060 if you are single (or $12,060 if you are married filing jointly)?

If you can answer YES to all of the above, you are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. You can receive up to $376 back at tax time!

Offices of the New York State Division of Human Rights:

  • 33 Whitehall Street
    New York, NY 10004
    (212) 336-3620 or
    1-800-669-4000