Do you get money if you win an EEOC case?

Asked by: Talia Adams  |  Last update: August 3, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (21 votes)

A majority of these cases get settled out of court, but some do go to trial. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the average settlement for employment discrimination claims is about $40,000.

How much does the EEOC payout per person?

So, what is the typical EEOC mediation settlement amount? In 2020, 6,272 discrimination cases were resolved by EEOC mediation, resulting in $156.6 million in monetary benefits. This makes the average settlement amount approximately $25,000 per claimant.

What happens if I win my EEOC case?

If the EEOC finds that I was discriminated against, what can I get? If the EEOC finds discrimination, we will work with your employer to fix the situation. You could receive money damages as part of that process. We also can seek promotions, reinstatement, and other workplace changes for you.

Can you get paid from EEOC?

A: The amount the EEOC awards for employment discrimination varies based on the size of the employer. For employers with 15 to 100 employees, the maximum award is $50,000. For 101 to 200 employees, the limit increases to $100,000, and it increases further to $200,000 when the employer has 201 to 500 employees.

How much to ask for in an EEOC settlement?

For example, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the median monetary benefit for claimants in employment discrimination cases was around $40,000 in recent years. However, this figure can be much higher in cases with substantial lost wages or severe emotional distress.

Evidence to Advance an EEOC Claim- Tips for Employees

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What is the maximum payout for EEOC?

When it comes to California discrimination lawsuits, the potential payout varies greatly depending on the company's size. Take small businesses with fewer than 100 employees - they're looking at a maximum payout of $50,000. But scale up to 101-200 employees, and that number jumps to $100,000.

How long after mediation will I get my money?

How Long After Mediation Will I Get My Money? You can expect to receive your settlement check four to six weeks after signing the agreement. However, it might take longer to receive your check if the case is complex.

What happens when the EEOC finds an employer guilty?

When the EEOC finds an employer guilty, they may attempt conciliation to negotiate changes in procedures and remedies for those affected; if unsuccessful, the victim may file a lawsuit or request the EEOC to file one on their behalf.

How long does EEOC settlement take?

On average, we take approximately 10 months to investigate a charge. We are often able to settle a charge faster through mediation (usually in less than 3 months). You can check the status of your charge by using EEOC's Online Charge Status System.

What damages can EEOC award?

Limits On Compensatory & Punitive Damages

For employers with 15-100 employees, the limit is $50,000. For employers with 101-200 employees, the limit is $100,000. For employers with 201-500 employees, the limit is $200,000. For employers with more than 500 employees, the limit is $300,000.

How do I win an EEOC settlement?

Tips to Strengthen Your EEOC Complaint and Improve Your Chances of Winning
  1. Act Promptly and Meet Deadlines. ...
  2. Understand Your Rights and Protections. ...
  3. Gather and Preserve Evidence. ...
  4. Be Thorough and Detailed in Your Complaint. ...
  5. Consider Consulting a Federal Employment Attorney. ...
  6. Stay Engaged and Responsive.

What makes a strong EEOC case?

The EEOC bases its investigations on the facts presented by the employee. Without strong evidence, even legitimate claims may be dismissed. A compelling case demonstrates the actions taken against you, provides context, and establishes a clear connection to discrimination or retaliation.

What is the EEOC 300 day rule?

An individual has 300 days from the date of alleged harm to file a charge with this office against an employer with 15 or more employees for discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, and/or disability in the states of California, Hawaii and Nevada.

How much money can you get for a civil rights violation?

Depending on your case, your financial settlement may range from thousands to millions of dollars. However, receiving a settlement from your civil rights lawsuit or legal action can take forever.

What to ask for in an EEOC settlement?

Economic Damages

These compensate you for tangible financial losses like lost wages, benefits, promotions, and out-of-pocket costs. The settlement should cover back pay dating back to when the discrimination began and front pay for expected future income and benefits lost due to damage to your career trajectory.

How much can I sue my employer for emotional distress?

The second type of emotional distress claim is one that is worth more than $50,000 up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the factual circumstances. You would need one or more medical opinions to support this claim and be prepared to have those medical advisors testify in court.

What is the average EEOC settlement amount?

The average settlement for employment discrimination claims is about $40,000, according to the EEOC. While many cases settle out of court, some proceed to trial, making settlement amounts variable.

Is it hard to win an EEOC case?

The chances of winning an EEOC case depend on various factors, such as the strength of evidence, the specific details of the case, and applicable laws. If you're unsure about your chances of winning your EEOC case, the wisest course of action is to consult with an attorney.

What happens if EEOC finds a reasonable cause?

If EEOC determines there is reasonable cause to believe discrimination has occurred, both parties will be issued a Letter of Determination stating that there is reason to believe that discrimination occurred and inviting the parties to join the agency in seeking to resolve the charge through an informal process known ...

What is a typical settlement in an EEOC mediation?

Though the EEOC does not report official average settlement amount numbers, the average monetary payout of a settled case, according to these numbers, would be $24,968.11. Keep in mind, however, that not all EEOC settlements involve monetary payouts.

What is the most common EEOC claim?

Most workers speak up about retaliation

In 2022, the most recent year with data available, there was little question that retaliation claims as the most common issue brought to the EEOC's attention. The agency found that 51.6% of the reports it investigated involved retaliation.

What makes a strong retaliation case?

What Makes a Strong Retaliation Case? A strong retaliation case has clear evidence linking an employee's protected action, like reporting harassment, to an adverse reaction from the employer. Demonstrating this connection can lead to a successful retaliation settlement.

What is the average settlement offer during mediation?

The average settlement offer during mediation is typically 20-50% of the damages, affected by factors such as liability, damages, parties' motivation, and the mediator's influence. In the absence of an agreement, a 'Mediator's Proposal' can be introduced as a solution.

How long until I get my settlement check after I agree?

It depends. Usually within 2-3 weeks of signing the release, money should be in if settlement funds are coming from an insurance company. But if you have a government health insurer, work comp lien, or its a settlement against a government entity, it can take some time to finalize those.

How long does it take to get a settlement fund?

Personal injury settlements can take between four and six weeks when they're simple, but on average, they take about a year from injury to settlement. Car accident settlements take an average of six to nine months. A trial may make this take even longer. Simple workers' comp cases may resolve within weeks.