On Jan. 29, 2009, President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law. The new law changes the statutory time limit for filing pay discrimination claims and declares that a new unlawful employment practice occurs with each paycheck that comes after the initial discriminatory pay decision.

What does this mean?  

• Employees can recover back pay for up to two years preceding the filing of a discrimination claim.
• The Fair Pay Act significantly extends the window of time during which employees may file a wage discrimination claim. 
• The 180-day statute of limitations would begin anew with each paycheck or other application of the discriminatory decision or practice.
• Retirees can bring suit alleging pay-related discrimination if they currently receive a pension or health care that may have been affected by discrimination