Frequently Asked Questions 

HOW TO GET HELP FROM
THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS

1. How is a charge of discrimination initiated?
   
   
2. What is the normal procedure to file a charge with IDHR?
   
   
3. Does it cost any money to file my charge of discrimination with IDHR?
   
   
4. Is an attorney necessary to file and process a charge?
   
   
5. Where are IDHR’s offices located and what are the office hours?
   
   
6. What information should be provided to IDHR when a charge is filed?
   
   
7. Whom can a charge of discrimination be filed against?
   
   
8. Can a charge be changed after it is filed?

How is a charge of discrimination initiated?

The Illinois Human Rights Act (“Act”) prohibits discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, financial credit, and public accommodations.  The Act also prohibits sexual harassment in education.  IDHR’s telephone inquiry line (312-814-4321) is for persons who have questions about whether their situation falls within the IDHR’s jurisdiction, or about how to file a charge.  (For housing discrimination questions, call 312-814-6227).

A person who believes (s)he was treated differently than others or was otherwise discriminated against based on protected class in one of the five areas may file a charge of discrimination with IDHR by submitting a completed Complainant Information Sheet (CIS):

• In person at IDHR’s offices in either Chicago or Springfield;
• By mail to IDHR at either its Chicago or Springfield addresses;
  or
• By email to IDHR.

A charge should be filed with IDHR as soon as possible after the discrimination occurs, but no later than 180 days after the date the discrimination took place.  A housing discrimination charge must be filed within one year of the alleged harm.

Return to Top of Page

What is the normal procedure to file a charge with IDHR?

A person may visit IDHR to find out whether his/her concern is covered under the “Act” and whether IDHR can take a charge.  Walk-in interviews are offered at IDHR’s offices in Chicago and Springfield on Monday through Thursday beginning at 8:30 AM.  An appointment is not necessary.  Interviews are conducted on a “first-come, first-served” basis.

Before the interview, potential complainants will be asked to fill out a Complainant Information Sheet (CIS).  This form can be found at Investigation Forms.  CIS forms are available at IDHR’s offices, but your visit will go faster if you print and bring with you a completed CIS.

During the interview, IDHR staff will discuss the various types of discrimination and explain the procedures for filing a charge.  IDHR staff will then determine if the allegations are covered by the “Act”.  If appropriate, the Intake investigator will draft a Charge of Discrimination.  To ensure the integrity of the process, all complainants are required to review the draft charge document, sign, and affirm in front of a notary public.  (IDHR staff will notarize the charge on site if a picture ID is provided).

If IDHR does not have jurisdiction over a person’s concerns, IDHR staff may provide referrals to other agencies where appropriate.

Return to Top of Page

Does it cost any money to file my charge of discrimination with IDHR?

No.  IDHR processes charges of discrimination without any fees to the complainant.  IDHR’s services are supported by tax dollars.

Return to Top of Page

Is an attorney necessary to file and process a charge?

An attorney is not required to process a charge of discrimination with IDHR.  However, an attorney may represent a person or party at any stage of the process.  IDHR does not refer complainants to attorneys in private practice, but does maintain lists of legal aid associations and other organizations that represent complainants in employment or housing cases.

If a fact-finding conference is held, either party may bring legal counsel if the attorney has entered a “Notice of Appearance”.

Return to Top of Page

Where are IDHR’s offices located and what are the office hours?

IDHR has offices in Chicago, Springfield and Marion.  Office hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.  Intake interviews are conducted Monday through Thursday in Chicago and Springfield only.  No intake interviews are conducted in the Marion office.  For security reasons, anyone visiting the Chicago office must provide a picture ID.

To ensure that sufficient time is allowed for an interview and for filing a charge if appropriate, please plan to arrive as early as possible but no later than 2:00 PM.  Your visit will go faster if you print and bring with you a completed CIS.

Toll Free Housing Inquiry Line
800-662-3942

Return to Top of Page

What information should be provided to IDHR when a charge is filed?

The following detailed information must be provided to IDHR:

• The full name, mailing address and a phone number (and alternate contact information) for the person filing a charge;
• Accurate and complete information — including name(s), address(es) and telephone number(s) — of the individual(s) or organization that is charged with the discrimination;
• The most recent date of the alleged discrimination;
• Names and contact information for any witnesses; and
• Copies of any relevant documents.

Return to Top of Page

Whom can a charge of discrimination be filed against?

• In an employment situation, a charge can be filed against an employer, labor organization, or employment agency.  For sexual harassment in employment, a charge can be filed against the individual harasser and/or the employer.
• In a real estate (housing) transaction, a charge may be filed against any person or organization responsible for the discriminatory action, including a rental agent, landlord, management company, apartment manager, real estate broker or agency, seller, owner, real estate developer, condominium/town house association, trailer park owner or manager, mortgage broker, bank, and newspaper or other media.
• In a financial credit transaction, a charge may be filed against a mortgage broker, credit union, bank, trust, savings and loan association, insurance company, and any type of lending institution involved in the discriminatory incident and operating in Illinois.
• If discrimination occurred in a place of public accommodation, a charge may be filed against the person(s) responsible and/or manager/owner of the facility (eating and drinking places, golf course, fitness center, etc.) who are responsible for the discriminatory incident.
• If a person is denied a service by a public official operating at a public government facility (municipality, county, police or fire department, etc.), a charge may be filed against the individual officer or the agency.  College and university academic programs are not considered places of public accommodation.
• A charge alleging sexual harassment in education may be filed against an executive, faculty member, administrative staff member, or teaching assistant in a public or private educational institution when such behavior interferes with the student’s performance, creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment, or is a term or condition of academic or extracurricular opportunities.

Return to Top of Page

Can a charge be changed after it is filed?

If timely, a complainant may request to amend the charge to make a correction, add new allegations, and/or add/delete parties (persons or organizations) involved.  At IDHR’s discretion, new allegations may be placed into a new charge rather than an amendment.

Return to Top of Page

Return to the FAQ’s Home Page