Are employers allowed to ask job applicants questions about their age?

In Maryland, employers are allowed to ask specific questions relating to the age of a job applicant, but only in very limited circumstances. Generally, employers are prohibited from asking questions about an applicant’s age, or from making any decisions based on age, by the Maryland Human Relations Act. This law was designed to protect potential employees from discrimination based on age. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule. Employers are allowed to ask an applicant’s age when specific laws require that no one younger than a certain age can be hired. Additionally, employers can ask age-related questions in order to determine whether or not an employee might qualify for benefits associated with older workers, such as senior discounts or retiree health insurance. Generally speaking, employers should not ask job applicants about their age, unless the question is absolutely necessary in order to comply with a law or provide a benefit that is only available to those of a certain age. Otherwise, asking the question is a violation of the Maryland Human Relations Act, and could result in a discrimination complaint being filed.

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Are employers allowed to ask job applicants questions about their age?

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