How to File a PHRC Discrimination Complaint in Pennsylvania

Quick Answer: To file a discrimination complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), you must file within 180 days of the discriminatory act. File online, by mail, or in person at PHRC offices. Include your information, employer details, protected class, and what happened. PHRC will investigate, attempt mediation, and issue a determination. Main phone: 717-787-4410.

Filing is free and you don't need a lawyer.

PHRC Overview

What Is PHRC

Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission:

• State agency enforcing PHRA
• Investigates discrimination complaints
• Covers employment, housing, public accommodations
• Free to file complaints
• Statewide jurisdiction

PHRC Offices

Harrisburg (Main Office):

• 333 Market Street, 8th Floor
• Harrisburg, PA 17101-2210
• Phone: 717-787-4410

Pittsburgh:

• 301 5th Avenue, Suite 390
• Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2957
• Phone: 412-565-5395

Philadelphia:

• 110 N. 8th Street, Suite 501
• Philadelphia, PA 19107
• Phone: 215-560-2496

Before You File

180-Day Deadline

Critical timeline:

• Must file within 180 days
• From date of discriminatory act
• Or last act if continuing violation
• Shorter than federal 300 days
• Do NOT miss this deadline

Calculate Your Deadline

Example:

• Discriminatory act: January 15
• Deadline: July 14 (180 days)
• File early to be safe

Gather Documentation

Collect before filing:

• Employment records
• Pay stubs
• Performance reviews
• Emails and texts
• Witness names
• Timeline of events

Filing Options

Online Filing

Preferred method:

• Visit phrc.pa.gov
• Complete online intake form
• Upload documents
• Available 24/7
• Fastest processing

By Mail

Send to: PHRC Headquarters 333 Market Street, 8th Floor Harrisburg, PA 17101-2210

Or regional office

In Person

Walk-in:

• Any PHRC regional office
• Staff can assist
• Bring documentation
• Photo ID helpful

By Phone

Initial contact:

• Call 717-787-4410
• Staff can guide you
• May schedule appointment
• Follow up in writing

What to Include

Required Information

Your complaint must include:

Your Information:

• Full legal name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email address

Employer Information:

• Company name
• Business address
• Phone number
• Number of employees

Complaint Details:

• Your protected class
• What happened
• When it happened
• Who was involved
• Witnesses

Protected Classes

Select which applies:

• Race/color
• National origin/ancestry
• Religion
• Sex (including pregnancy)
• Age (40+)
• Disability
• Use of guide/support animal
• GED vs. diploma

Describing Discrimination

Be specific about:

• Exact incidents
• Dates (or approximate)
• People involved
• What was said or done
• How you were harmed
• How others were treated differently

Supporting Documents

Attach if available:

• Termination letter
• Performance reviews
• Emails showing discrimination
• Company policies
• Witness statements

Dual Filing with EEOC

Work-Sharing Agreement

PHRC and EEOC:

• Share complaints
• Filing with one can count for both
• Different deadlines apply
• 180 days PHRC, 300 days EEOC

Why Dual File

Benefits:

• Preserves federal claims
• More options later
• Different remedies available
• Strategic flexibility

How to Request

When filing:

• Indicate cross-filing preference
• Check EEOC box on PHRC form
• Or file separately with EEOC

After You File

Acknowledgment

PHRC will:

• Confirm receipt
• Assign case number
• Assign investigator
• Send to employer (respondent)

Employer Response

Respondent must:

• Provide position statement
• Submit documents
• Respond to allegations
• Usually within 30 days

Investigation

PHRC will:

• Review all evidence
• Interview parties
• Interview witnesses
• Gather documents
• Assess credibility

Mediation Option

Voluntary Process

PHRC offers mediation:

• Neutral mediator
• Confidential discussions
• Both parties must agree
• Can settle without hearing

Benefits of Mediation

Advantages:

• Faster resolution
• Less adversarial
• Creative solutions
• Control over outcome
• Avoids lengthy process

What to Expect

In mediation:

• Mediator facilitates
• Discuss options
• Negotiate terms
• May reach agreement
• Non-binding until signed

PHRC Determination

Probable Cause

If PHRC finds evidence:

• Probable cause determination
• Moves to conciliation
• Or public hearing
• Case continues

No Probable Cause

If insufficient evidence:

• Dismissal
• Right to appeal
• Can still file court lawsuit
• 2-year limit for court

Case Closure

Complaint may close for:

• Settlement reached
• Lack of jurisdiction
• Administrative closure
• Withdrawal

Public Hearing

When It Happens

If no settlement after probable cause:

• Formal hearing scheduled
• Before hearing examiner
• Both sides present evidence
• Witnesses testify

Hearing Process

What to expect:

• Opening statements
• Witness testimony
• Cross-examination
• Documentary evidence
• Closing arguments

Hearing Decision

Examiner issues:

• Findings of fact
• Legal conclusions
• Recommended order
• Commission review

Going to Court

Right to Sue

After PHRC process:

• Can file in state court
• 2 years from right to sue letter
• Court of Common Pleas
• Jury trial available

When to Consider Court

Court may be better for:

• Large damages sought
• Jury trial preference
• Faster resolution needed
• Strong evidence case

Federal Court Option

If federal claims:

• File in federal court
• After EEOC process
• Title VII, ADA, ADEA claims
• Different procedures

Timeline Expectations

Typical Process

General timeframes:

• Filing: Day 1
• Employer response: 30 days
• Investigation: 6-18 months
• Mediation: If parties agree
• Determination: Varies
• Hearing: If probable cause

Delays

Process can be lengthy:

• Complex cases take longer
• Backlog affects timing
• Cooperation matters
• Document thoroughly

Tips for Success

Documentation

Best practices:

• Write detailed complaint
• Provide specific dates
• Name witnesses
• Attach key documents
• Keep copies of everything

Communication

Stay responsive:

• Answer PHRC inquiries promptly
• Update contact information
• Attend scheduled meetings
• Meet all deadlines

Cooperation

Work with investigator:

• Provide requested information
• Be truthful
• Be professional
• Follow instructions

Attorney Consideration

When to get help:

• Complex cases
• Large damages
• Retaliation concerns
• Employer has attorney
• Going to hearing

Common Mistakes

Missing Deadline

Avoid:

• File well before 180 days
• Don't wait for "more evidence"
• Deadline is strict

Vague Complaints

Be specific:

• Exact incidents
• Specific dates
• Named individuals
• Clear connection to protected class

Missing Documents

Gather early:

• Before filing
• Before leaving employer
• Before memories fade

Not Following Up

Stay engaged:

• Respond to PHRC requests
• Check case status
• Update contact information

Retaliation Protection

It's Illegal

Employer cannot:

• Fire you for filing
• Demote you
• Harass you
• Retaliate in any way

If Retaliated Against

Report immediately:

• Add retaliation to complaint
• File separate complaint
• Document retaliation
• Strengthens original claim

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to file?

No. You can file without an attorney. But consider one for complex cases or if going to hearing.

How long do I have to file?

180 days from the discriminatory act. This deadline is strictly enforced.

Does filing cost money?

No. Filing with PHRC is free.

Will my employer know I filed?

Yes. PHRC sends complaint to employer for response. This is necessary for investigation.

Can I file anonymously?

Generally no. Investigation requires identifying complainant. But confidentiality is maintained during process.

What if PHRC dismisses my case?

You can appeal. You can also file a private lawsuit within 2 years.

Related Topics

• Pennsylvania Human Relations Act Guide
• Pennsylvania Workplace Discrimination
• Pennsylvania Workplace Retaliation
• Pennsylvania Employment Law Hub

Take Action

To file a PHRC complaint:

1. Calculate your 180-day deadline
2. Gather all documentation
3. Write detailed description
4. File online at phrc.pa.gov
5. Consider dual filing with EEOC
6. Keep copies of everything
7. Respond promptly to PHRC requests

Your rights are time-sensitive. File early.

Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general information about filing PHRC complaints and is not legal advice. Every situation is different. For advice about your specific circumstances, consult a licensed Pennsylvania employment attorney.

For official information:

• Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission: https://www.phrc.pa.gov | 717-787-4410
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: https://www.eeoc.gov | 1-800-669-4000