EEOC: the federal route

The EEOC handles charges under federal employment discrimination laws. Coverage varies: Title VII and the ADA generally require at least 15 employees, while the ADEA generally requires at least 20. Federal employees and applicants use a separate process. An online inquiry or interview appointment should not be assumed to be a filed charge.

For specified discrimination claims in Pennsylvania, the EEOC Pittsburgh office describes a 300-day charge period. The applicable law, employer and events still need assessment. This is an agency filing period, not a general deadline for every employment lawsuit.

PHRC: the Pennsylvania route

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act generally covers employers with four or more employees, subject to exceptions. The PHRC generally requires an employment complaint within 180 days of the alleged discrimination. State protections can differ from federal protections. An assessment should address both rather than treating one filing period as a substitute for the other.

Dual filing and agency review

A matter may be dual filed with the EEOC and PHRC when both state and federal protections apply. Confirm the actual filing and dual-filing status; do not assume that contacting one agency preserves every claim. Depending on the agency and case, the process can include an employer response, mediation, investigation and efforts to resolve the dispute.

  • Save the signed charge or complaint and filing confirmation
  • Keep agency notices, portal messages and envelope dates
  • Track requests for information and response deadlines

A court deadline may follow

For many federal discrimination claims, a Notice of Right to Sue starts a 90-day period measured from receipt. Age discrimination and Equal Pay Act claims have distinct rules. Pennsylvania court claims follow their own prerequisites and timing. Bring every agency notice to a legal assessment promptly, even when an investigation did not find enough evidence to proceed.

Common questions

What employees ask us

Does the EEOC represent me as my lawyer?

The EEOC enforces federal law and decides which matters it will litigate. Its investigation does not mean that an agency attorney represents you in an individual lawsuit. You may seek private counsel.

Does contacting the firm stop a filing deadline?

No. An inquiry to the firm does not file an agency charge or court case. Explain any approaching date and provide existing notices so the next required step can be identified.

Official information

Content updated October 21, 2026. General information; individual circumstances and applicable law matter.