EEOC Claims have risen sharply in the last couple of years. 2008 was greatly higher than 2007 and this year isn't looking any better according to the EEOC. With the recent economic crunch, many employers have been forced to lay off workers. The problem is, they often choose the older worker regardless of how good of an employee he or she may be. By laying off an older worker, the company can save on benefits and other perks that have been earned by the older employee over the years. There is also the mistaken idea that only the younger employees have families to feed. The number of older people who have children and grandchildren living with them is increasing as well. EEOC claims must follow due process whether the claimant hires an attorney from the onset or not. The difference is, an attorney can understand the process and explain exactly what is going on. The EEOC does not represent the employee or the employer. They simply investigate the allegations and the facts. If the employer is found at fault, the EEOC will file charges in many cases. One recent case is against Greensboro North Carolina where a 58 year old man claimed he was denied a job because of his age. The EEOC investigated and found the claims to be true.