The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) forbids age discrimination against people who are age 40 or older. If age played a role in the employer's decision about whom to lay off, the termination of these employees may be discriminatory.Learn about age discrimination in the workplace and the laws that apply. Find a lawyer through our Legal Referral Service. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) protects individuals who are 40 years of age or older from employment discrimination based on age. The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Action, up to and including termination of employment. People fall victim to age discrimination every day in the workplace. The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 does not cover employment discrimination. California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects applicants and workers from age discrimination in the hiring process.