What information will an Equal Employment Officer provide for me in a complaint process?

EEOC counselors are required to inform aggrieved individuals in writing of their duties and rights in the administrative procedure.  This includes the right to request that the agency issue an immediate final ruling or to request a hearing before an EEOC administrative judge.  An EEOC counselor will also inform petitioners of their right to choose between proceeding by way of the EEO process or pursuing the Merit Systems Protection Board appeal avenue.  The party filing the complaint will also be advised of their obligation to mitigate damages and their right to bring an Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) claim in a court of law.  The counselor will also inform them that future complaints filed with the administrative agency are limited to claims raised in counseling.