Are employers allowed to ask how old you are?

For some reason I remember seeing somewhere that is was against the law for them to ask your age, race, "disability status", etc., but every time I go for a job I'm asked how old I am (I'm 15 now, turning 16 in about 4 months). If they are not allowed to ask, does it just apply for people over 18 since there's different laws about how many hours you can work when you're a certain age?

Don't answer the question if you don't know what you're talking about. If I "look young" they should ask to see my working papers which have my birthday on them. And if they're hiring people legally and asking for working papers for people under 18 like they're supposed to, they don't need to worry about hiring someone "underage" ;)

They can only leagally ask if you fall under certain labor categories. For example, a restaurant can ask "Are you 21 or older" so they know if you can serve alcohol. "

yes because it depends on what type of job you get.

They need to know you're who you say you are, and also - if you don't look it - whether or not you're old enough to work. Usually people 15 and under need a work permit from their school, usually given most easily by joining their "co-op" course which requires a split grade of how you perform at the job in contrast to how well you do at the curricular material.

it depend on the job..not all jobs have the same rules. Now if you look to young and look under age the company has the right to ask you. If they don't and hire someone under the age limit and something happen on the job..they can be sued if the age is not up to standard.You would be a miner cause your under age

Well, it sort of is against the law, it isn't in your case, since you're underage (not 18 quite yet). Potential employers need to know what sort of permit you may need to work, how many hours you can legally work at your age, etc. They're not asking you to discriminate, they're asking for their own liability purposes. Example: If where ever you live, says by law, that the youngest a person can be to work part time is 16, these potential employers are asking b/c they see you look young and they want to make sure you're atleast 16. Because if they hire you, and you're not at least 16, they could get into a lot of trouble with child labor laws.

I hope that helped.

EDIT: Maybe if you would have read my answer more thouroughly, you would have understood why employers ask that, especially to youngsters like yourself. Maybe you're not writing your birthdate legibly enough for them to read. And on top of that, I don't understand how I was not reading your question properly. Maybe you should try asking it more clearly rather than asking it like you're talking to someone with half a brain.

Your final questions was, and i quote: "If they are not allowed to ask, does it just apply for people over 18 since there's different laws about how many hours you can work when you're a certain age?'

My Answer: Employers ARE ALLOWED TO ASK, if it's for a part time position at mickey d's and you're obviously still in school, and on your application it says your 15 (only 4 months shy of 16 - whoo friggin hoo). If I went and applied for a FULL TIME JOB at a Law Firm, the interviewer would not be allowed to ask me how old I was. It does apply for people over 18 only, because you're underage, you're only allowed to work part time, unless you have a special permit which you can only get from your local county government office.

It is legal for them to ask how old you are because of child labor laws. It is illegal to ask an adult how old he or she is in order to prevent discrimination against older workers (for example, its illegal not to hire a qualified 50 year old just because he or she may retire in 5 years).

They can ask if you are under 18. They can also ask for a work permit if you are, but they can never ask exactly how old you are.

They can legally ask your age to make sure you meet the requirement, as some companies have a policy of hiring people who are 18 or older. the age discrimination law is meant to protect older workers who would be dismissed as too old

Age discrimination laws start at age 40. If you are a minor they have to know how old you are, to know if they can legally hire you and what tasks they can have you do.

You're starting out here with a really bad additude - if you want to have success in the workplace, don't be so eager to look for trouble.