After a Charge is Filed

What to Expect

After a charge is filed and received by the Bureau of Civil Affairs, the following will occur:

  1. An EEO/AA officer will review your complaint and conduct an investigation.
  2. A determination will be made whether there is substantial evidence to support the charge.
  3. You will receive a written notification at the conclusion of the investigation.
  4. If you are not in agreement with any of the findings of the investigator, you may appeal directly to the Chief of the Bureau of Civil Affairs in writing at the following address:
    • BCA Chicago
      Chief of the Bureau of Civil Affairs
      401 S. Clinton, 6th Floor
      Chicago, IL 60607

Additional Regulatory Agencies

In addition, you may file a discrimination complaint with one of the following regulatory agencies:

Illinois Department of Human Rights
524 South 2nd Street, Suite 300
Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: (217) 786-5100
TTY: (866) 740-3953
Email: IDHR.Intake@illinois.gov
Internet: www2.illinois.gov/DHR

  • U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
    JCK Federal Building
    230 South Dearborn Street
    Chicago, IL 60604
    Phone: (312) 872-9777
    Fax: (312) 558-1260
    TTY: (866) 744-3953
    Internet: www.eeoc.gov
  • U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
    Robert A. Young Federal Building
    1222 Spruce, Room 8-100
    St. Louis, MO  63103
    Phone: (800) 669-4000
    Fax: (314) 539-7894
    TTY: (800) 669-6820
    Internet: www.eeoc.gov

Food Assistance (SNAP) Specific

Finally, if you have applied for food assistance and feel that you have been discriminated against, you may send a written complaint to:

  • U. S. Department of Agriculture
  • Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
    1320 Braddock Place, Room 334
    Alexandria, VA  22314
    Fax: (202) 690-7442 or (833) 256-1665
    Email: FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov

For filling an appeal of a complaint decision (for all Food and Nutrition Service Programs) is:

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
Stop 9430
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W. Room 212-A
Whitten Building
Washington, D.C.  20250