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The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) is a federal law that protects individuals who are 40 years of age and older from workplace discrimination on the basis of age. These protections apply to employees and job applicants alike. Age discrimination can take place through: Hiring Firing Job assignments Promotions Discharge (i.e., being replaced by an employee under the age of 40) Compensation (i.e., paying older employees less than younger employees) Benefits Other terms, conditions, or privileges of employment The ADEA applies to private employers with 20 or more employees. It also applies to state and local governments, employment agencies, labor organizations, and the federal government. Discrimination can still occur when the person inflicting the discrimination is over the age of 40.The ADEA does not specifically prohibit an employer from asking an applicant’s age or date of birth. However, it does generally make it unlawful to include age preferences, limitations, or specifications in job notices or advertisements.
