How to File an IDHR Complaint in Illinois: Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer: To file a discrimination complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), you must submit within 300 days of the discriminatory act. You can file online, by mail, or in person. The process is free, and you don't need an attorney. IDHR will investigate and determine whether substantial evidence exists. If found, your case proceeds to the Illinois Human Rights Commission.

Filing with IDHR is your first step toward holding your employer accountable.

Before You File: Important Information

What IDHR Handles

IDHR accepts complaints about:

• Employment discrimination
• Housing discrimination
• Financial credit discrimination
• Public accommodation discrimination

Employment discrimination includes:

• Race, color, national origin, ancestry
• Sex, pregnancy, sexual harassment
• Religion
• Age (40+)
• Disability
• Sexual orientation, gender identity
• Marital status
• Military status
• Order of protection status
• Arrest record (limited)
• Unfavorable military discharge
• Retaliation for opposing discrimination

Critical Deadline

You have 300 days from the date of discrimination to file with IDHR.

The clock starts: On the date of the discriminatory act (termination, denial of promotion, last harassment incident, etc.)

Don't wait: File as early as possible. Last-minute filings risk missing the deadline.

IDHR vs. EEOC

Work-sharing agreement: IDHR and EEOC have a work-sharing agreement. Filing with one can preserve your rights with both—check the dual-filing box.

Do You Need an Attorney?

No. You can file and pursue an IDHR complaint yourself. The process is designed to be accessible.

When an attorney helps:

• Complex discrimination claims
• Large potential damages
• Employer has aggressive legal representation
• You want to pursue additional remedies

Step 1: Gather Your Information

What You'll Need

Your information:

• Full legal name
• Address, phone, email
• Best times to contact you

Employer information:

• Company name
• Address
• Phone number
• Number of employees (if known)

Details of discrimination:

• Dates of discriminatory acts
• Description of what happened
• Who was involved (names, titles)
• Witnesses (names, contact info if available)
• Protected category involved
• Why you believe it was discrimination

Supporting documents (if available):

• Termination letter
• Performance reviews
• Emails or messages
• Company policies
• Any written complaints you made

Write Your Summary

Prepare a clear description of what happened:

• Who discriminated against you
• What happened
• When it happened (specific dates)
• Which protected category applies
• Why you believe it was discrimination
• What harm you suffered

Step 2: Choose Your Filing Method

Option A: File Online (Recommended)

Website: illinois.gov/idhr

Process:

1. Go to IDHR website
2. Navigate to "File a Charge"
3. Complete the online intake questionnaire
4. Submit electronically

Advantages:

• Available 24/7
• Immediate confirmation
• Track your charge online

Option B: File by Mail

Chicago Office: Illinois Department of Human Rights 100 W. Randolph Street, Suite 10-100 Chicago, IL 60601

Springfield Office: Illinois Department of Human Rights 535 W. Jefferson Street, 1st Floor Springfield, IL 62702

Process:

1. Download charge form from illinois.gov/idhr
2. Complete the form
3. Mail to appropriate office

Option C: File In Person or by Phone

Chicago: 312-814-6200 Springfield: 217-785-5100 TTY: 866-740-3953

Good for: People who need assistance or have questions.

Step 3: Complete the Charge Form

Required Information

Personal information:

• Your name, address, phone, email
• Your employer's name, address, phone
• Your job title and work location

Discrimination details:

• Protected category (check all that apply)
• Date(s) of discrimination
• Detailed description of what happened
• Names of people involved
• Witnesses

What you're seeking:

• Reinstatement
• Back pay
• Policy changes
• Other remedies

Tips for Writing Your Charge

Be specific:

• Include exact dates
• Name specific people involved
• Describe specific incidents

Be factual:

• Describe what happened, not just how you felt
• Include direct quotes if you remember them
• Note what you observed, not assumptions

Be complete:

• Include all relevant incidents
• Mention all protected categories that apply
• Describe the harm you suffered

Dual Filing with EEOC

Check the box to have your complaint cross-filed with EEOC. This preserves your federal law rights.

Step 4: Submit Your Charge

Review Before Submitting

Check:

• All required fields completed
• Dates are accurate
• Names are spelled correctly
• Contact information is current
• Protected category selected

Get Confirmation

After submitting:

• Keep copy of everything you submitted
• Note the date you filed
• Save any charge number
• Keep documents in a safe place

Step 5: The Investigation Process

Initial Review

IDHR will:

• Review your charge for jurisdiction
• Assign a charge number
• Notify the employer (Respondent)

Employer Response

Employer has opportunity to:

• Respond to allegations
• Provide their version of events
• Submit relevant documents

Investigation

IDHR investigator will:

• Review your charge and employer's response
• Request additional documents if needed
• Interview parties and witnesses
• Gather evidence
• Analyze the case

Your role:

• Respond promptly to investigator requests
• Provide additional information as asked
• Cooperate fully with investigation

Timeline

Investigations typically take:

• Several months to over a year
• Varies by complexity and workload

Step 6: Determination

Possible Outcomes

Substantial Evidence:

• IDHR finds evidence supporting discrimination
• Case proceeds to Illinois Human Rights Commission

Lack of Substantial Evidence:

• IDHR doesn't find sufficient evidence
• Case dismissed
• You can request review

After Determination

If "Substantial Evidence":

• Case goes to Illinois Human Rights Commission
• Administrative hearing scheduled
• Can settle at any time

If "Lack of Substantial Evidence":

• Can request review within 30 days
• May have option for federal court under some circumstances

Step 7: Illinois Human Rights Commission

The Hearing Process

If case proceeds:

• Assigned to Administrative Law Judge
• Discovery process
• Formal hearing
• Recommended decision
• Commission review

Settlement Options

At any stage:

• Parties can negotiate settlement
• IDHR may facilitate conciliation
• Often preferable to lengthy hearing

Tips for Success

Do's

• File early: Don't wait until the deadline
• Be thorough: Include all relevant details
• Be honest: Never exaggerate or misrepresent
• Stay organized: Keep records of everything
• Respond promptly: Meet all deadlines
• Stay professional: Focus on facts

Don'ts

• Don't miss the deadline: 300 days is strict
• Don't destroy evidence: Keep all documents
• Don't retaliate: Continue professional conduct
• Don't give up: Process takes time
• Don't forget dual-filing: Preserve federal options

Contact Information

Illinois Department of Human Rights

Chicago Office: 100 W. Randolph Street, Suite 10-100 Chicago, IL 60601 Phone: 312-814-6200

Springfield Office: 535 W. Jefferson Street, 1st Floor Springfield, IL 62702 Phone: 217-785-5100

Website: illinois.gov/idhr

TTY: 866-740-3953

EEOC Chicago District Office

Address: 230 S. Dearborn Street, Suite 2920 Chicago, IL 60604

Phone: 1-800-669-4000

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file anonymously?

No. You must identify yourself to file a charge. However, IDHR maintains confidentiality during investigation.

Do I need evidence to file?

You don't need proof to file—that's what investigation is for. But provide any evidence you have.

Can I file if I'm still employed?

Yes. Many people file while still working. Retaliation for filing is illegal.

What if my employer retaliates?

Retaliation is a separate IHRA violation. Report it to IDHR immediately. It strengthens your case.

How long does the process take?

Investigation typically takes several months to over a year. IHRC proceedings add more time if case proceeds.

Can I withdraw my charge?

Yes, you can withdraw at any time. Consider carefully—you may lose the ability to refile.

What if I miss the 300-day deadline?

You likely lose your ability to file with IDHR. You may still have EEOC options or other remedies. Consult an attorney immediately.

Related Topics

• Illinois Workplace Discrimination
• Illinois Human Rights Act Guide
• Illinois Sexual Harassment
• Illinois Workplace Retaliation

Take Action

Filing an IDHR complaint is free and accessible. If you've experienced discrimination:

1. Gather your information and documents
2. File within 300 days
3. Check the dual-filing box for EEOC
4. Cooperate with investigation
5. Consider legal consultation

You have the right to a workplace free from discrimination. Use the system to protect that right.

Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general information about filing IDHR complaints and is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a qualified employment attorney.

For official information:

• Illinois Department of Human Rights: https://www.illinois.gov/idhr | 312-814-6200