Complaint Requirements

(A) Complaints shall contain the following information to facilitate investigations: (1) name, address and telephone number or other means of contacting the person alleging discrimination; (2) location and name of the organization or office accused of discriminatory practices; (3) the nature of the incident or action or the aspect of program administration that led the person to allege discrimination; (4) the reason for the alleged discrimination (e.g., age, race, color, sex, disability, religious creed, national origin or political belief); (5) names, titles and addresses of persons who may have knowledge of the alleged discriminatory acts; and (6) the date or dates on which the alleged discriminatory actions occurred. (B) If a complainant makes allegations verbally and is unable or reluctant to put the allegations in writing, the worker to whom the allegations are made shall document the complaint in writing and forward the complaint within ten working days to the Director of Equal Opportunity, Department of Transitional Assistance, 600 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111. (C) Complaints will be accepted even if the information specified in 106 CMR 360.220(A) is not complete. However, investigations will be conducted only if information concerning 106 CMR 360.220(A)(2) through (4) is provided. (D) A complaint must be filed no later than 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination. However, the time for filing may be extended by the Secretary of Agriculture or the Commissioner of the Department or designee.