{"id":402697,"date":"2026-08-18T09:07:21","date_gmt":"2026-08-18T14:07:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=402697"},"modified":"2026-08-18T10:01:31","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T15:01:31","slug":"the-eeoc-right-to-sue-letter-what-it-is-and-what-to-do-next","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/the-eeoc-right-to-sue-letter-what-it-is-and-what-to-do-next.html","title":{"rendered":"The EEOC Right-To-Sue Letter: What It Is and What To Do Next"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The EEOC Right-To-Sue Letter: What It Is and What To Do Next<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

An EEOC<\/span> “right-to-sue” letter is a notice from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission<\/span> confirming its investigation is complete and granting you permission to file a discrimination lawsuit. After receiving the letter, you have a strict 90-day deadline to file your case in federal court. Failing to act within this timeframe typically results in losing your legal right to sue for that claim.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

You filed a discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission<\/span> (EEOC<\/span>) and waited months for their investigation. Now you’ve received a “Notice of Right to Sue<\/span>” letter in the mail. What does that mean? It might seem like the EEOC<\/span> is telling you that you should sue, or that you’ve won your case. Neither is necessarily true.<\/p>\n

This article explains what an EEOC<\/span> right-to-sue letter<\/span>\u00a0is, what it means for your case, and the critical decisions you need to make under a tight deadline. You have only 90 days from the date you receive this letter to file a lawsuit. Understanding your options is essential, so consider meeting with a local employment law attorney<\/span><\/a> to learn more about your next steps.<\/p>\n

What Is an EEOC<\/span> Right-To-Sue Letter<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Before you can file a lawsuit against an employer for sexual harassment<\/span> or other discriminatory acts<\/span>, you must first \u201cexhaust your administrative resources.\u201d This includes filing a charge<\/span><\/a> with the <\/span>EEOC<\/span>. The EEOC<\/span> investigates your claim and may suggest other remedies first, such as conciliation<\/span> or mediation.<\/p>\n

If the employer has violated the law, the EEOC<\/span> may sue on your behalf. The agency will end its investigation if it can\u2019t confirm that discrimination occurred.<\/p>\n

Either way, the EEOC<\/span> will issue a right-to-sue letter<\/span><\/a>. This letter states that the EEOC<\/span> has completed its investigation and gives you 90 days to file a lawsuit<\/span> against your employer.<\/p>\n

Federal and State Employee Claims<\/h3>\n

Federal and state government employees have different procedures and deadlines. State government claims may have different deadlines. If you are filing a federal or state government claim, consult <\/a>an attorney<\/a>\u00a0with government EEO experience.<\/p>\n

Cause and No Cause Findings<\/h3>\n

At the end of an EEOC<\/span> investigation<\/span>, the agency will issue a finding of \u201ccause\u201d or \u201cno cause.\u201d Regardless of the EEOC<\/span>‘s outcome, you still retain the right to file a lawsuit. Let\u2019s take a closer look at what these terms mean:<\/p>\n