When it comes to filing an employment discrimination claim in Illinois, there are several agencies to consider. Each agency has their own coverage and deadlines.
The main agencies are the Chicago Commission on Human Relations, Cook County Commission on Human Rights, Illinois Department of Human Rights, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Below is a table that summarizes the types of discrimination covered, geographic limitations, and time limits for filing a claim with each agency.
| Agency | Types of Discrimination Covered | Geographic Limitations | Time Limitations | Kinds of Relief Available |
| Chicago Commission on Human Relations | Race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, source of income, military status, credit history, criminal history, retaliation | Violation occurred within the City of Chicago | Must file within 300 days of alleged violation | Make whole damages, other damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, fines to the City, attorneys fees & costs to prevailing complainant |
| Cook County Commission on Human Rights | Race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, source of income, military status, credit history, criminal history, retaliation | Violation occurred within Cook County | Must file within 180 days of alleged violation | Make whole damages, other damages, injunctive relief, fines to the County, attorneys fees & costs to prevailing complainant |
| Illinois Department of Human Rights | Race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, unfavorable military discharge, military status, citizenship status, arrest record, immigration-related practices, native language, order of protection status, retaliation, aiding/abetting, willful interference, coercion | Violation occurred within Illinois | Must file within 300 days of alleged violation (1 year for housing discrimination) | Make whole damages, other damages, injunctive relief, fines to the State, attorneys fees & costs to prevailing complainant |
| Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) | Race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, retaliation | Violation occurred within the U.S. or at U.S. company located outside U.S. | Must file within 300 days of alleged violation (or 180 days if state fair employment agency does not cover) | Make whole damages, compensatory damages, punitive damages |
If you think you have a claim for discrimination the best thing you can do is reach out to a civil rights attorney to discuss your claim. You already have a lot on your plate – let a lawyer handle your case properly.