How long does it take to receive an EEOC settlement?

Asked by: Prof. Javonte Berge Jr.  |  Last update: October 25, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (70 votes)

Generally, you must allow the EEOC 180 days to resolve your charge. Although, in some cases, the EEOC may agree to issue a Notice of Right to Sue before the 180 days.

What is the average EEOC settlement amount?

What is the Average Settlement for a Discrimination or Retaliation Claim? Based on data from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the typical settlement amount for employment discrimination claims stands around $40,000.

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 do I check the status of my EEOC settlement?

Checking the Status of Your Charge

If you have your charge number, you can also get more general information about your status by calling EEOC toll-free at 1-800-669-4000 (TTY: 1-800-669-6820 or ASL Video Phone 1-844-234-5122).

What do you get if you win an EEOC case?

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 long should my EEOC investigation take?

37 related questions found

What is the average EEOC award?

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the average settlement for employment discrimination claims is about $40,000. However, depending on the facts and circumstances of the case, settlements or verdicts can climb to seven figures.

How much should I ask for in a discrimination settlement?

I've seen firsthand how these cases can vary widely in California. The average settlement for a disability discrimination case can range from around $25,000 to $500,000. Less complex cases often settle for about $100,000 or less, while more involved cases can exceed $1,000,000. But these are just ballpark figures.

How long does it take to get EEOC settlement?

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.

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.

Is an EEOC settlement taxable?

The IRS specifically states, "If you receive a settlement in an employment-related lawsuit; for example, for unlawful discrimination or involuntary termination, the portion of the proceeds that is for lost wages (i.e., severance pay, back pay, front pay) is taxable wages and subject to the social security wage base and ...

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 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.

What is the maximum damage for EEOC?

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 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.

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.

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 is the longest a settlement can take?

What is the longest a settlement can take? The duration of a personal injury settlement can vary dramatically, with complex cases potentially taking several years to resolve, though there's technically no absolute maximum time limit beyond the statute of limitations.

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.

What is the average settlement for EEOC?

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.

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.

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 a reasonable settlement offer?

The settlement amounts should reflect the damages suffered by the plaintiff, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future medical care, and other related costs. The key to fair financial compensation is to determine whether the offer is reasonable and aligns with the extent of the damages.

How much settlement should I get?

The rough 'rule of thumb' that we generally use to determine the value of the average settlement agreement payout (in respect of compensation for termination of employment) is two to three months' gross salary (in addition to your notice pay, holiday pay etc., as outlined above).

Do I have to pay taxes on a discrimination settlement?

Employment Discrimination Settlement Tax Treatment

Both are considered taxable “income” by the IRS. Generally, the attorney will negotiate and ultimately agree to an “allocation” in the settlement agreement between compensation for economic losses and emotional distress harm This can vary case by case.