Each federal agency that provides federal financial assistance is responsible for investigating discrimination complaints that may arise. Federal financial assistance refers to grants, loans, contracts, or any other arrangement by which the federal government provides funds, services, or other resources to support a program or activity. If you believe that you or others have experienced discrimination, you can file a complaint with the federal agency that provides financial assistance to the program that you believe discriminated against you. In some cases, CRC may determine that a complaint we received is more appropriately addressed by another federal agency. For example, CRC cannot investigate employment discrimination complaints against most private employers. CRC will refer these complaints to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a separate federal agency that enforces civil rights laws that apply to most private employers.
The following information provides options and resources to help you determine which agency may be able to assist. The information provided below for other federal agencies was accurate at the time of publication. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, please visit the respective agency’s website or contact them directly.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces laws that prohibit employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
For more information, please contact:
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
131 M Street, NE
Washington, DC 20507
Telephone 1-800-669-4000/TTY 1-800-669-6820
Department of Education - Office for Civil Rights’ civil rights laws extend to all state education agencies, elementary and secondary school systems, colleges and universities, vocational schools, proprietary schools, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, libraries, and museums that receive U.S. Department of Education funds. Areas covered include admissions, recruitment, financial aid, academic programs, student services, counseling, discipline, classroom assignments, grading, vocational education, recreation, physical education, athletics, housing, and employment.
For more information, please contact:
U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-1100
Telephone 1-800-421-3481/TTY: 1-800-877-8339
Department of Health and Human Services - Office for Civil Rights enforces laws that protect people's civil rights in the context of health and human services. This includes hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, health insurance plans, and any programs getting HHS funds like Medicare and Medicaid. Areas covered include patient admissions, treatment, discharge planning, services provided, and employment practices within these entities.
For more information, please contact:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Civil Rights
200 Independence Avenue, SW, Rm. 509F HHS Bldg.
Washington, DC 20201
Telephone: 1-800-368-1019/TTY 1-800-537-7697
Department of Justice - Civil Rights Division works to uphold the civil and constitutional rights of all persons in the United States, particularly some of the most vulnerable members of our society. The Division enforces federal statutes prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, disability, religion, familial status, national origin, and citizenship status. Key sections include Employment Litigation, Disability Rights, Educational Opportunities, Immigration and Employees Rights, Voting, Housing and Civil Enforcement, Special Litigation, and more.
For more information, please contact:
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
950 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20530
Telephone: 202-514-3847/TTY 202-305-1435
Department of Agriculture – Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights protects people’s civil rights in USDA programs and services. This includes programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), National School Lunch Program, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), rural development programs, and services from USDA's agricultural extension services. Areas covered include how benefits are given out, program accessibility, and employment practices.
For more information, please contact:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of Adjudication and Compliance
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-9410
Telephone: 1-866-632-9992/TTY 202-720-2600
Fax: 202-690-7442
Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) enforces federal laws that prohibit discrimination in housing. FHEO ensures that all individuals have equal access to housing and housing-related services, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
For more information, please contact:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
451 Seventh Street, SW, Room 5204
Washington, DC 20410
Telephone: 202-708-1112/TTY 202-708-1455
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - Office of Resolution Management addresses complaints about discrimination in VA services. This includes VA hospitals, outpatient clinics, Veterans Benefits Administration offices, and other services providing healthcare, education, housing, and job training for veterans. Areas covered include access to these services and how they are provided.
For more information, please contact:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of Resolution Management
1575 I Street, NW, 10th Floor
Washington, DC 20420
Telephone 1-888-566-3982/TTY/TDD 711
Social Security Administration - Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity enforces civil rights laws in SSA programs and services. This includes Social Security field offices, Disability Determination Services, and any organizations receiving SSA funds. Areas covered include how benefits are applied for and received, customer service, employment practices, and making sure services are accessible for people with disabilities.
For more information, please contact:
U.S. Social Security Administration
Office of Public Inquiries
Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21235
Telephone 1-866-574-0374 /TTY 1-800-325-0778
Additional Resources for Filing Complaints
If you need to file a complaint or seek more information on discrimination, harassment, and related issues, the following resources may be helpful:
Contact the Civil Rights Division | Department of Justice
Learn how to file a complaint with the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division.
Refer a Complaint | U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (usccr.gov)
Refer a complaint to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights for investigation.
How to File A Complaint | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov)
Guidance on filing a complaint with the EEOC for workplace discrimination.
Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation | USAGov
Information on your rights and how to report discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
File a Complaint | ADA.gov
Steps to file a complaint under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Employment Laws: Disability & Discrimination | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)
Explore employment laws related to disability and discrimination on the Department of Labor’s website.
Government Spending Open Data | USASpending
Access open data on government spending for transparency and accountability.
CRC/USDOL is not responsible for the accuracy, accessibility or availability of information provided on this page regarding other agencies. For detailed information and assistance, please visit the specific agency’s website or contact them directly.