What is the normal procedure to file a charge with the Department?
A person may visit IDHR to find out whether his/her concern is covered under the Illinois Human Rights Act and whether IDHR can take a charge. Walk-in interviews are offered on Monday through Thursday beginning at 8:30 AM. An appointment is not necessary. Interviews will be conducted on a “first-come, first -served” basis. Before the interview, potential complainants will be asked to fill out a Complainant Information Sheet (CIS). IDHR staff will discuss the various types of discrimination and explain the procedures for filing a charge. During the interview, staff will determine if the allegations are covered by the Act. If appropriate, the Intake investigator will draft a Charge of Discrimination. To ensure the integrity of the process, all complainants are required to review the draft charge document, sign, and affirm in front of a notary public. (IDHR has staff will notarize the charge on site if a picture ID is provided). If IDHR does not have jurisdiction over person’s concerns, I
