Do I Need a Washington D.C Age Discrimination Attorney

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) enforces Federal laws that prohibit discrimination by health care and human service providers that receive funds from DHHS. One such law is the Age Discrimination Act of 1975.

WHAT IS THE AGE DISCRIMINATION ACT?

The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 is a national law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance. The Age Discrimination Act applies to persons of all ages. It does not cover employment discrimination. (The Age Discrimination in Employment Act applies specifically to employment practices and programs, both in the public and private sectors, and applies only to persons over age 40. Complaints under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act should be sent to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Washington, D.C. 20506.)

The Age Discrimination Act and DHHS age regulation (which can be found at 45 CFR Part 91) do apply to each DHHS recipient. The Age Discrimination Act also contains certain exceptions that permit, under limited circumstances, use of age distinctions or factors other than age that may have a disproportionate effect on the basis of age. For example, the Age Discrimination Act does not apply to:

An age distinction contained in that part of a Federal, State or local statute or ordinance adopted by an elected, general purpose legislative body which:

Provides any benefits or assistance to persons based on age; or

Establishes criteria for participation in age-related terms; or

Describes intended beneficiaries or target groups in age-related terms.

HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH OCR

Complaints of age discrimination involving DHHS recipients and beneficiaries may be filed with OCR by an individual, a class, or by a third party, within 180 days from the date of the alleged discriminatory act. (OCR may extend the 180-day period if good cause is shown.) Include the following information in your written complaint, or request a Discrimination Complaint Form from OCR:

Your name, address and telephone number. You must sign your name. (If you file a complaint on someone's behalf, include your name, address, telephone number, and statement of your relationship to that person - e.g., spouse, attorney, friend, etc.)

Name and address of the institution or agency you believe discriminated against you.

How, why and when you believe you were discriminated against.

Any other relevant information.