U.S. EEOC – Federal Sector EEO Informal Complaint Process
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) oversees the federal sector EEO complaint process for allegations of discrimination in federal employment (Title VII, Rehabilitation Act, etc.). The process begins with an informal (pre-complaint / counseling) stage.
You must contact an EEO counselor at the agency where the alleged discrimination occurred within 45 calendar days of:
- the date of the alleged discriminatory act, or
- the date you became aware of it.
Missing this 45-day deadline usually bars your claim.
Once you make contact, the EEO counselor must attempt informal resolution. This period is generally completed within 30 calendar days from the date you initiated contact.
The 30-day period can be extended up to 90 calendar days total if:
- You agree to participate in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) such as mediation, or
- Other extensions are agreed upon in writing.
If no resolution is reached by the end of this period (max 90 days), the counselor issues a Notice of Final Interview (or Notice of Right to File a Formal Complaint).
If the issue isn’t resolved informally, you have 15 calendar days from receipt of the notice to file a formal complaint with the agency.
After filing, the agency typically investigates within 180 days, followed by options such as a hearing before an EEOC Administrative Judge or a final agency decision.
This applies to federal sector employees/applicants only. Private sector charges follow a different process.