Index
Age DiscriminationFederal

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)

Summary

Protects individuals who are 40 years of age or older from employment discrimination based on age.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    You cannot be forced to retire at a certain age in most professions.
  • 02.
    Age cannot be a factor in hiring, layoffs, or salary decisions if you are 40+.
  • 03.
    Protection against ageist comments or 'culture fit' excuses that target older workers.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Liquidated damages (double back pay) for willful violations
  • 02.
    Legal fees and costs
  • 03.
    Injunctive relief

Verified Citations

29 U.S.C. § 621

Source
"It shall be unlawful for an employer... to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual or otherwise discriminate... because of such individual's age."