Which three classes are protected under ECOA but not under FHA?

The correct answer highlights the specific classes protected under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) that are not included in the Fair Housing Act (FHA). ECOA is designed to prevent discrimination in lending based on various factors, including age, marital status, and public assistance income.

Age is significant because it ensures that lenders do not discriminate against borrowers based on their age, which can be particularly important for older borrowers who may face biases. Marital status is also protected; lenders cannot bias decisions based on whether someone is single, married, divorced, or widowed. Public assistance is included to safeguard individuals who receive government aid, allowing them access to credit without being discriminated against due to their financial status.

The other answer choices include classes that are indeed protected under both ECOA and FHA, such as race and color, which are protected under both laws, or include factors (like military status) that may not be explicitly outlined under FHA but don’t represent that specific distinction outlined in the question. Thus, the focus on age, marital status, and public assistance accurately reflects the unique protections that ECOA extends.