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File a Discrimination Complaint

Discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy or parental status, genetics, religion, age, political affiliation, disability, or retaliation is prohibited by law.

If you believe you have been discriminated against with respect to applying for or receiving services from DES, you have 180 calendar days from the last act of discrimination to submit a complaint.

Who Can File a Discrimination Complaint with the OEO?

The Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) will address complaints of discrimination if (1) the complaint is based on at least one protected basis covered by law, and (2) you are applying for, receiving, or have been denied benefits or services administered by DES or a DES-approved contractor.

Non-Jurisdictional Complaints

If your complaint is not against DES or a DES-approved contractor, then the OEO is unable to accept your complaint. Your complaint will need to be filed with the appropriate state or federal entity, as follows:

State Level – Arizona Attorney General (AG), Civil Rights Division

Address: 2005 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 542-5025
Arizona Attorney General's website 

Federal Level – Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Address: 3300 N. Central Avenue, Suite 690, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: 1-800-669-4000
Fax: (602) 640-5071
TTY: (800) 669-6820
ASL Video Phone: (844) 234-5122
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website

How to File a Discrimination Complaint

Step 1 - Tell Us About Your Discrimination Complaint

If you have identified that your complaint falls within the jurisdiction of the OEO, please proceed to Step 1.

You may file a complaint using either the Client Discrimination Complaint (J-020) form or writing or typing your own statement. If you do not use the form, you must ensure that your complaint contains ALL of the following information:

  • Name, address, and daytime telephone number of the complainant.
  • Name, job title, address, and daytime telephone number of the specific respondent against whom the allegations are made.
  • The alleged discrimination or unequal treatment that has occurred. The client must specify that the treatment was based on at least one of the following: race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy or parental status, genetics, religion, age, political affiliation, disability, or retaliation
  • Specific facts regarding the alleged act.
  • Date or dates when the alleged act occurred.
  • Full name and daytime telephone number of any other person who was present, who may have direct knowledge of the act, or who should otherwise be interviewed during the investigation.
  • Any concurrent or prior filing of a related complaint with a federal or other agency.

If you submit your complaint with any of this information missing or incomplete, it may be sent back to you or may delay your complaint.

Download Client Discrimination Complaint

Step 2 - Send Us Your Discrimination Complaint

You may submit your completed Discrimination Complaint to the OEO by mail, fax, or email.

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By Mail:

Office of Equal Opportunity
P. O. Box 6123
Mail Drop 1119
Phoenix, AZ 85005-6123

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By Fax:

(602) 364-3982

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By Email:

Office of Equal Opportunity
[email protected]

Step 3 - The Investigation Process

Once a complaint is received, it is reviewed by the DES Complaint Coordinator to determine jurisdiction. The complaint is then assigned to an investigator who will conduct a full investigation into the allegations identified in the complaint.

The OEO will work with the appropriate program or administration to obtain information regarding the complaint. The program or administration is advised that no individual shall be retaliated against because he or she has filed a discrimination complaint or participated in any manner in an investigation.

All information received, including results, is confidential and will not be released to any person(s) unless authorized by policy or provision of law.

The person who submitted the complaint will be notified by the OEO when the investigation has been completed. The notice will include information to elevate the complaint to the appropriate federal entity if the individual in unsatisfied with the findings.

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