Individuals eligible for, receiving services from or benefiting from programs funded by or through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) are protected by various laws, regulations, rules and policies against unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, political affiliation (food stamps only), age, sex, citizenship/ participant status (WIA Programs only) and national origin.

If you believe that you have been denied or delayed services for which you are eligible because of your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, political affiliation (food stamps only), disability or age, you must file your complaint within six months of the date on which the incident or treatment happened

You may call the Bureau of Civil Rights to submit your complaint or you may submit your complaint in writing. If the complaint is submitted by telephone you can call (614) 644-2703 or Toll Free 1-866-227-6353, TTY (614) 995-9961 or Toll Free 1- 866-221-6700

If you have a complaint against your employer you will need to contact the Ohio Civil Rights Commission site www.ocrc.ohio.gov and/or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission site www.eeoc.gov

If the complaint is submitted in writing, you can use the BCR Discrimination Complaint Form which can be found on our web site or at our BCR office. If you do not use the BCR's form, your complaint should include the following information:

1. Your name, address and telephone number
2. If you are filing a complaint for someone else, include that person's name, address and telephone number.
3. The name and address of the agency or person you believe discriminated against you.
4. How, why and when you believe you (or the person on whose behalf you are filing the complaint) were discriminated against
5. Any other information that would help BCR understand your complaint.

You must file your complaint within 180 days of the date when the discrimination happened.

You can send your complaint(s) via mail or fax.

The Bureau of Civil Rights staff are available to offer assistance with writing and filling your complaint(s). You can call BCR (614) 644-2703 or Toll Free 1-866-227-6353, TTY (614) 995-9961 or Toll Free 1- 866-221-6700.