ADEA (Age Discrimination in Employment Act) is one of the EEOC's most important pieces of legislation. The ADEA age discrimination act ensures that people over the age of 40 are not discriminated against in the workplace. Such discrimination could include refusal to hire a person because of their age, refusing to promote a person or laying off a person before a younger person because of their age. The legislation also prohibits mandatory retirement ages in most cases and ensures that benefits to those over 40 are in keeping with younger employees. The ADEA is one of six pieces of fair employment law that is enforced by the EEOC. Other employment laws enforced by the EEOC include portions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Pay Act and Title VII, which includes language to prevent discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, or national origin. Employees who feel they've been discriminated against by an employer or potential employer can file claims with the EEOC for investigation.