Frequently Asked Questions
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Whom may I contact for further information on filing a program discrimination complaint?
How do I file a USDA program discrimination complaint?
How do I check the status of my program discrimination complaint?
How long do I have to file a USDA program discrimination complaint?
How do I request a waiver of the 180-day filing deadline?
Can I send my USDA program discrimination complaint to OASCR by email?
Where do I mail my program discrimination complaint?
Whom may I contact for further information on filing a program discrimination complaint?
You may contact the Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Information Research Service, on (866) 632-9992 (toll free) or (202) 260-1026 or send an email to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at program.intake@usda.gov. Program information is available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, and American Sign Language) should contact (1) the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or (2) USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or (3) contact USDA through the Federal Telecommunications Relay Service at 711.
How do I file a USDA program discrimination complaint?
To file a program discrimination complaint, please complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (English) (PDF, 293 KB) ---- USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (Spanish). (PDF, 328 KB) You or your authorized representative must sign the complaint form. You are not required to use the complaint form. You may also file a program discrimination complaint by writing a letter to the Center for Civil Rights Enforcement. For additional information about what to include in your letter, see How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint, on our Web site. For information on the discrimination complaint process, contact the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Information Research Service, on (202) 260-1026 or (866) 632-9992 (toll free) or send an email to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at program.intake@usda.gov. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities, may contact us through the Federal Relay Service on (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).
How do I check the status of my program discrimination complaint?
To check the status of your program discrimination complaint, contact the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Information Research Service, on (202) 260-1026 or (866) 632-9992 (toll free) or send an email to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Information Research Service, at program.intake@usda.gov. Program information is available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, and American Sign Language) should contact (1) the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or (2) USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or (3) contact USDA through the Federal Telecommunications Relay Service at 711.
How long do I have to file a USDA program discrimination complaint?
The OASCR has authority to investigate actions that took place no more than 180 days prior to the filing of your complaint, unless a waiver of this filing deadline is granted.
How do I request a waiver of the 180-day filing deadline?
A waiver may be granted for the following reasons:
- The discriminatory act could not reasonably be expected to be known within the 180-day period;
- Illness or incapacitation;
- The same complaint was filed with another Federal, state, or
- local agency; or
- Any other basis determined by the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. If you wish to request a waiver, make your request in your complaint letter and be sure to explain why you did not file within the 180-day period. For more information, contact the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Information Research Service, at (202) 260-1026 or (866) 632-9992 (toll free) or send an email to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at program.intake@usda.gov. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities may contact us through the Federal Relay Service on (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).
Can I send my USDA program discrimination complaint to OASCR by email?
No, a USDA program discrimination complaint cannot be sent by email. The Center for Civil Rights Enforcement requires an original, signed document to initiate the complaint process.
If I file a lawsuit in court after having filed a discrimination complaint with OASCR, will the court waive the time limits for filing the lawsuit?
Filing a discrimination complaint with the Center for Civil Rights Enforcement does not waive requirements for filing a lawsuit. You may wish to consult a lawyer at your earliest convenience to ensure that your rights are preserved.
Where do I mail my program discrimination complaint?
Mail your program discrimination complaint to:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Director, Center for Civil Rights Enforcement
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-9410