There are laws protecting Americans from discrimination based on age in either federally funded programs or in the workplace. The first step in either situation is to file a complaint with the proper agency. The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 directs all age discrimination claims in the public arena to the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). If the OCR does not address the claim in 180 days, or if the OCR rules in favor of the plaintiff, they may contact an age discrimination lawyer and pursue the case in civil court. The Age Discrimination Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) protects workers 40 years old or older from age discrimination in the workplace. Again, the first step is to file a complaint with a state agency or the EEOC. The case is referred for mediation, where 80% of these cases are settled. The rest can proceed to civil court, where an age discrimination lawyer can help you receive back pay, reinstatement, or damages.