Virginia has three caregiver stipend tiers, each with different monthly payment amounts

Virginia's caregiver stipend program, run through the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), divides caregivers into three payment tiers based on the care recipient's needs and the caregiver's relationship to them. The tier you fall into determines your monthly stipend amount. Tier assignments depend on factors like whether the care recipient lives in your home, your employment status, and the intensity of care required.

The three tiers are not something you choose — DARS assigns your tier after you submit documentation about the care recipient's condition and your living arrangement. Understanding which tier applies to your situation helps you know what payment to expect and what paperwork DARS will ask for.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia's caregiver stipend has three tiers with different monthly payment amounts, assigned by DARS based on care needs and living situation.
  • Tier placement depends on whether you live with the care recipient, whether you work outside the home, and the care recipient's assessed service level.
  • You do not choose your tier; DARS determines it after reviewing your process and supporting documents about the care recipient's condition.
  • Payment amounts vary by tier and are set by the state; you should confirm current amounts with your local DARS office because they can change annually.

How DARS assigns you to a tier

DARS uses three main factors to place you in a tier: whether you are a co-resident (living in the same home as the care recipient), your employment status, and the care recipient's assessed service level. A co-resident caregiver who does not work outside the home typically qualifies for a higher tier than a non-resident caregiver or one who maintains employment.

The care recipient's service level — determined by a DARS assessment — also affects your tier. Someone requiring intensive daily information will place their caregiver in a higher tier than someone needing part-time support. You will need to provide medical documentation, a physician's statement, or recent assessment results showing the care recipient's functional limitations.

Tier 1: Non-resident or part-time caregivers

Tier 1 is the lowest payment level and typically applies to caregivers who do not live with the care recipient or who work outside the home. This tier covers caregivers providing support on a part-time or visiting basis — for example, an adult child who visits several times a week to help with medications, meals, or household tasks.

Tier 1 caregivers must still meet Virginia's basic requirements: they cannot be paid by another state or federal program for the same care, and the care recipient must be assessed as needing services. The monthly stipend for Tier 1 is lower than Tiers 2 and 3, reflecting the reduced time commitment and living arrangement.

Tier 2: Co-resident caregivers with some employment

Tier 2 applies to caregivers who live with the care recipient but maintain some outside employment or income. This tier recognizes that you are providing care in the same household while also working, which requires balancing both responsibilities.

To may have access to for Tier 2, you must be a co-resident and show proof of employment or income. The stipend is higher than Tier 1 but lower than Tier 3. DARS will ask for documentation of your employment status — a recent pay stub, letter from your employer, or proof of self-employment income.

Tier 3: Full-time co-resident caregivers

Tier 3 is the highest payment level and applies to caregivers who live with the care recipient and do not work outside the home. This tier recognizes that you have made caregiving your primary responsibility and are available full-time to provide support.

To may have access to for Tier 3, you must be a co-resident and either unemployed, retired, or not seeking outside employment. DARS may ask for documentation showing your employment status — recent tax returns, a statement that you are not employed, or proof of retirement. Tier 3 caregivers receive the highest monthly stipend because they are providing the most intensive, full-time support.

What documents you need for tier placement

DARS will ask for proof of your living arrangement, employment status, and the care recipient's medical condition. For co-residency, bring a lease, mortgage statement, utility bill, or other document showing you live at the same address as the care recipient. For employment status, bring recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or tax returns showing self-employment.

For the care recipient's service level, you will need a physician's statement, recent medical assessment, or functional capacity evaluation showing their care needs. Some care recipients already have assessments from Medicaid, Social Services, or another state program — you can use those documents if they are recent enough. DARS will tell you how current the assessment must be when you contact them.

How payment amounts are set and when they change

Virginia sets the monthly stipend amounts for each tier, and those amounts can change from year to year based on state budget decisions. The amounts are not indexed to inflation or cost of living — they change only when the state legislature approves new funding levels.

Because amounts vary and can change, you should contact your local DARS office or the state caregiver stipend program directly to learn the current Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 payment amounts. Do not rely on amounts you find online from previous years. Your DARS caseworker can also tell you which tier you have been assigned and what your monthly payment will be once your process is processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move from one tier to another after I am approved?

Yes. If your circumstances change — for example, you lose your job and become a full-time caregiver, or you move out of the care recipient's home — you should report the change to DARS. They will reassess your tier placement and adjust your payment accordingly. Report changes as soon as they happen to avoid overpayment or underpayment.

What if I work part-time or seasonally?

DARS considers your overall employment status. Part-time or seasonal work usually places you in Tier 2 rather than Tier 3, because you are not a full-time caregiver. Bring documentation of your work schedule and income so DARS can make an accurate information. If your work is very limited, ask your caseworker whether it affects your tier placement.

Does the care recipient's income affect which tier I am in?

No. The caregiver stipend tiers are based on the caregiver's living arrangement and employment status, not the care recipient's income or assets. The care recipient's medical condition and service level do affect tier placement, but not their financial situation.

What happens if DARS places me in a lower tier than I expected?

You can ask DARS to review their decision and explain why you were placed in that tier. Bring any additional documentation that supports a higher tier — for example, proof that you are a co-resident if DARS missed that, or updated medical records showing increased care needs. Your caseworker can walk you through the appeal process if you disagree with the placement.