The New York State Human Rights Law covers all employers. It protects persons 18 and over from age discrimination in employment, apprentice and training.1) Please fill out the complaint form, answering all of the questions. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) covers employees 40 years old and over. As of February 8, 2020, New York State law prohibits all employers, regardless of size, from making hiring, firing or other employment decisions based on age. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) protects employees who are 40 years of age or older from discrimination because of their age. While federal laws only apply to workers over the age of 40, New York state and city laws protect workers of all ages from discrimination. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) forbids age discrimination against people who are age 40 or older. The alleged act of discrimination must have taken place within, or have sufficient connection to, New York City for a complaint to be filed with the Commission. Federal, state and local laws prohibits employers from discriminating against job applicants or employees on the basis of age.