A federal law prohibiting employment discrimination against employees and applicants age 40 or older (29 U.S.C. §§ 621 to 634). The ADEA prohibits discrimination in the terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, compensation, employment benefits, advancement, employment training, assignments and termination of employment. Harassment and retaliation are also prohibited under the ADEA. For more information on retaliation, see Practice Note: Retaliation.

The ADEA applies to private, state government and local government employers that employ 20 or more employees. The ADEA also applies to federal government employees and applicants for federal employment.

Bona fide occupational qualification is an exception to the ADEA.

The ADEA is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.