How to File a Complaint of Discrimination

Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, the MCAD offices are closed to the public but you may still file a Complaint by phone or with an attorney by mail to initiate an investigation by the Commission.
Investigations take an average of18 months to complete.

MCAD Boston Headquarters

The Details of How to File a Complaint of Discrimination

What you need for How to File a Complaint of Discrimination

You may file a Complaint by phone or through an attorney.

  • If you do not have an attorney, you may schedule a phone consultation with an investigator by using the new Intake Scheduling Portal listed under the How to File > By Phone heading below.

  • Attorneys and Duly Authorized Representatives (DAR) filing a Complaint on behalf of an individual, please review the information under the How to File > By Mail heading below.

  • If you need an interpreter, please call the MCAD Language Access Line at (617) 994-6071

How to file How to File a Complaint of Discrimination

Please use the Intake Scheduling Portal link below to book a telephone intake interview with an MCAD investigator.

Please read this information before you book your appointment.

NOTICE: 300 Days to File a Complaint (Statute of Limitations)

You only have 300 days from the last act of discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations to file a complaint at the MCAD. You have six months from the last act of discrimination in education to file a complaint. Scheduling an intake interview does not pause the time limit to file a complaint.

  • If your statute of limitations expires within 48 hours, please call the MCAD and request an emergency intake: 617-994-6000

Phone Intake Requirements

  • You must have access to your phone and email during the call. Please note: You may receive a call from a blocked or unlisted number.

Missed Appointments

  • If you do not answer the phone after two attempts to reach you at the number specified, the investigator will email you at the email address provided, notifying you that you have missed the intake interview, and that you must book a new intake interview at a later date and time.

Language Assistance Services

  • If you need an interpreter, please call the MCAD Language Access Line - (617) 994-6071

CLICK HERE TO BOOK →

The MCAD has implemented temporary emergency changes to its processes and procedures in response to the COVID-19 health crisis. 

If you are an attorney or Duly Authorized Representative (DAR) filing a Complaint on behalf of an individual, please contact the MCAD for eComplaint filing instructions at mcad@mass.gov.

Please also review the MCAD's Guidance for Out-of-State Attorneys 

Next steps for How to File a Complaint of Discrimination

What Happens after you File a Complaint?

Once a Complaint is processed authorized for investigation, the MCAD will being its formal investigation, which is the initial step of the Complaint Process.

 

Contact for How to File a Complaint of Discrimination

Address
Main Address
1 Ashburton Place, Suite 601, Boston, MA 02108
Fax
Fax (617) 994-6024

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