How long do I have to file an EEOC charge?

You have 180 days from the date of the discriminatory act to file an EEOC charge. The window extends to 300 days in deferral states (states with their own anti-discrimination agency, such as California, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, and Massachusetts).

Do I need a lawyer to file an EEOC charge?

No. The EEOC accepts pro se charges and provides assistance through its public portal and field offices. SynthCounsel's wizard helps you draft the charge narrative and auto-fill EEOC Form 5 ($9.99). The actual filing is free with the EEOC.

What happens after I file?

The EEOC sends notice to the employer, investigates, and either issues a cause finding (rare) or a right-to-sue letter. The 90-day window to file in federal court begins when you receive the right-to-sue letter — not when you file the charge.

Can I file an EEOC charge and a wage claim at the same time?

Yes. State wage-payment claims, FLSA federal wage claims, and EEOC discrimination charges run on parallel clocks. Filing one does not waive your right to file the others.

Wage claim guide

EEOC charge wizard

Build your EEOC Charge of Discrimination.

Walk through six short steps. We assemble a formatted narrative that maps to the EEOC Form 5 fields. Print or attach to your online intake. SOL is 180 days from the act (300 days in deferral states).

1Who & where
2Protected basis
3What happened
4Facts & damages
5Review

Your full name *

Phone

Employer (legal name) *

Employer address

# employees

State of employment

Your position

Dates of employment

Recommended next step

Fill the official EEOC Form 5 PDF — $9.99

Drop your wizard answers into the actual government form. Wizard auto-fills every field, you review, sign, and file. One-time, no subscription.

Open the form

Filing more than one

Case Pass — $149 / case

Unlimited forms, unlimited document drafting, deadline tracking, and 200 AI msgs/day for one case for 12 months. Includes the EEOC charge plus everything that follows it.

Compare plans