How to File a WSHRC Complaint in Washington: Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer: To file a discrimination complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC), you must submit your complaint within 1 year (365 days) of the discriminatory act. You can file online, by mail, or by phone. The process is free, and you don't need an attorney. WSHRC will investigate and attempt to resolve your complaint through mediation or other means.

Filing a complaint is the first step toward holding your employer accountable for discrimination. This guide walks you through the process.

Before You File: Important Information

What WSHRC Handles

WSHRC accepts complaints about:

• Employment discrimination
• Housing discrimination
• Public accommodation discrimination

Employment discrimination includes:

• Race, color, national origin, ancestry
• Sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity
• Age (40+)
• Disability (physical, mental, sensory)
• Religion, creed
• Marital status
• Veteran/military status
• Use of service animal
• HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C status
• Retaliation for opposing discrimination

Critical Deadline

You have 1 year (365 days) from the date of discrimination to file with WSHRC.

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

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

WSHRC vs. EEOC

Work-sharing agreement: WSHRC and EEOC have a work-sharing agreement. Filing with one typically preserves your rights with both (but confirm by checking the "dual filing" box).

Do You Need an Attorney?

No. You can file and pursue a WSHRC 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 a lawsuit

Many attorneys offer free consultations to evaluate your case.

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)
• Why you believe it was discrimination

Supporting documents (if available):

• Termination letter
• Performance reviews
• Emails or messages
• Company policies
• Any written complaints you made
• Medical records (if relevant)

Write Your Summary

Prepare a clear description of what happened:

• Who discriminated against you
• What happened
• When it happened (specific dates)
• Why you believe it was discrimination (what protected characteristic was involved)
• What harm you suffered

Keep it factual. Stick to what happened, not your emotions about it.

Step 2: Choose Your Filing Method

Option A: File Online (Recommended)

Website: hum.wa.gov

Process:

1. Go to WSHRC website
2. Click on "File a Complaint"
3. Create an account or log in
4. Complete the online complaint form
5. Upload supporting documents
6. Submit

Advantages:

• Fastest method
• Immediate confirmation
• Can save and return to draft
• Easy to upload documents

Option B: File by Mail

Address: Washington State Human Rights Commission 711 S. Capitol Way, Suite 402 P.O. Box 42490 Olympia, WA 98504-2490

Process:

1. Download complaint form from hum.wa.gov
2. Complete the form
3. Attach supporting documents
4. Mail to WSHRC

Mail early: Allow time for delivery before deadline.

Option C: File by Phone

Phone: 360-753-6770 or 1-800-233-3247

Process:

1. Call WSHRC during business hours
2. Staff will help you complete complaint
3. They'll mail written complaint for your signature
4. Sign and return

Good for: People who need assistance with the form or have questions.

Step 3: Complete the Complaint Form

Required Information

Personal information:

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

Discrimination details:

• Type of discrimination (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 Complaint

Be specific:

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

Be factual:

• Describe what happened, not 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

Be organized:

• Chronological order often works best
• Separate different incidents clearly
• Use clear, simple language

Dual Filing with EEOC

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

Step 4: Submit Your Complaint

Review Before Submitting

Check:

• All required fields completed
• Dates are accurate
• Names are spelled correctly
• Contact information is current
• Supporting documents attached

Get Confirmation

After submitting:

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

What Happens Next

WSHRC will:

• Assign a case number
• Send you written confirmation
• Notify your employer of the complaint
• Begin processing your case

Step 5: The Investigation Process

Employer Response

Employer receives notice and has opportunity to respond to your allegations. They typically have 20-30 days to submit a response.

You'll receive: Copy of employer's response

Investigation

WSHRC investigator will:

• Review your complaint and employer's response
• Request additional documents if needed
• Interview you and witnesses
• Interview employer representatives
• Gather evidence

Your role:

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

Timeline

Investigations typically take: 6-12 months or longer

Factors affecting timeline:

• Complexity of case
• Cooperation of parties
• WSHRC workload
• Need for additional investigation

Step 6: Resolution Options

Mediation

WSHRC may offer mediation:

• Voluntary process
• Neutral mediator facilitates discussion
• Attempt to reach settlement
• Confidential
• Can happen early in process

Advantages:

• Faster than investigation
• You have input on outcome
• Often results in better settlements
• Less adversarial

Settlement

At any point, you and employer can settle:

• Negotiate terms
• WSHRC can help facilitate
• Settlement ends the case
• Terms can include money, reinstatement, policy changes

Investigation Outcome

After investigation, WSHRC issues determination:

Reasonable cause: WSHRC finds evidence supporting discrimination

• May proceed to administrative hearing
• May attempt further settlement
• You may pursue lawsuit

No reasonable cause: WSHRC doesn't find sufficient evidence

• Case closed
• You can still file lawsuit in court

Step 7: After the Determination

If "Reasonable Cause" Found

Options:

• Administrative hearing before WSHRC
• Attempt further settlement
• File lawsuit in state court

If "No Reasonable Cause" Found

You still have options:

• Request reconsideration (limited)
• File lawsuit in state court
• WSHRC determination isn't binding on courts

Filing a Lawsuit

You can file a lawsuit:

• Any time after filing WSHRC complaint (don't have to wait)
• Within 3 years of discrimination (WLAD)
• Even if WSHRC finds no reasonable cause

Consider lawsuit when:

• WSHRC process too slow
• Want more control over case
• Seeking larger damages
• Want jury trial option

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, not emotions
• Consider mediation: Often leads to better outcomes

Don'ts

• Don't miss the deadline: 1 year is strict
• Don't destroy evidence: Keep all documents
• Don't discuss case publicly: Could affect outcome
• Don't contact employer about case directly: Go through WSHRC
• Don't give up: Process takes time

Contact Information

Washington State Human Rights Commission

Phone: 360-753-6770 or 1-800-233-3247

TTY: 1-800-300-7525

Website: hum.wa.gov

Email: [email protected]

Address: 711 S. Capitol Way, Suite 402 P.O. Box 42490 Olympia, WA 98504-2490

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

EEOC Seattle Field Office

Phone: 1-800-669-4000 or 206-220-6883

Address: 909 First Avenue, Suite 400 Seattle, WA 98104

Website: eeoc.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file anonymously?

No. You must identify yourself to file a complaint. However, WSHRC keeps investigation materials confidential.

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. Your testimony is evidence.

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 violation. Report it to WSHRC immediately. It strengthens your case.

How long does the process take?

Typically 6-12 months for investigation, sometimes longer. Mediation can be faster.

Can I withdraw my complaint?

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

What if I miss the 1-year deadline?

You likely lose your ability to file with WSHRC. You may still have 3 years for a direct lawsuit, or 300 days for EEOC. Consult an attorney immediately.

Related Topics

• Washington Workplace Discrimination
• Washington Sexual Harassment
• Washington Workplace Retaliation
• EEOC Filing Process

Take Action

Filing a WSHRC complaint is free and accessible. If you've experienced discrimination, don't let the deadline pass.

Gather your information, file your complaint, and let WSHRC investigate. You have the right to a workplace free from discrimination.

Legal Disclaimer

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

For official information:

• Washington State Human Rights Commission: https://www.hum.wa.gov/ | 1-800-233-3247