US-New YorkWhat is the deadline for filing a discrimination claim with the NY DHR?
You must file a discrimination claim with the New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR) within one year of the alleged discriminatory act.
What the Law Says
New York law sets a strict time limit for filing discrimination complaints with the state agency responsible for enforcing civil rights laws.
Under New York Executive Law § 297(5), a person claiming to be aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice must file a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR) within one year after the alleged unlawful discriminatory practice occurred.
This one-year deadline applies to claims based on employment, housing, public accommodations, credit, and other protected areas covered by the New York Human Rights Law.
The clock starts on the date of the last discriminatory act — not when harm is discovered or when consequences become clear — unless a continuing violation doctrine applies (which courts evaluate narrowly).
Statutory TextAny complaint filed pursuant to this section must be so filed within one year after the alleged unlawful discriminatory practice occurred.
— Executive Law § 297(5) — Procedure for complaints
What to Do
Document the discriminatory incident(s) with dates, witnesses, and evidence.
File a written complaint with the NY DHR online, by mail, or in person before the one-year deadline.
Consider filing simultaneously with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) — NY has a work-sharing agreement, and timely filing with DHR may satisfy the 300-day EEOC deadline for covered claims.
If the deadline has passed, consult an attorney immediately — limited exceptions (e.g., equitable tolling, mental incapacity) may apply but are rarely granted.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.