Timeliness

A charge must be filed with EEOC within 180 days from the date of the alleged violation, in order to protect the charging party's rights.

This 180-day filing deadline may be extended to 300 days if the charge also is covered by a state or local anti-discrimination law.

These time limits do not apply to claims under the Equal Pay Act, because under that Act persons do not have to first file a charge with EEOC in order to have the right to go to court. However, since many EPA claims also raise Title VII sex discrimination issues, it may be advisable to file charges under both laws within the time limits indicated.

San Juan Local Office Information

An individual has 300 days from the date of alleged harm to file a charge with this office against a covered employer. Since the Unidad Anti-discrimen (Anti-Discrimination Unit), Puerto Rico Department of Labor, and the Virgin Islands Department of Labor has a work-sharing agreement with EEOC, the individuals in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have 300 days to file a charge from the date of the alleged harm on all the statues enforced by the Commission.

To protect your legal rights, it is always best to contact EEOC promptly when discrimination is suspected.