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), structures payments into three tiers based on the number of hours a caregiver works per week. The tier you fall into determines your monthly stipend amount. Each tier has a minimum and maximum hour requirement, and your payment changes only if your hours move into a different tier range.

The three tiers are designed so that caregivers working more hours receive higher monthly payments. However, the exact dollar amounts for each tier change periodically based on state budget decisions, so the amounts you see this year may differ from next year. Your local DARS office or the caregiver program coordinator in your region can tell you the current payment amounts for each tier.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia's caregiver stipend has three tiers based on weekly hours worked, with Tier 1 for the fewest hours and Tier 3 for the most.
  • Your tier placement determines your monthly stipend amount, and you move to a different tier only if your hours cross into a new range.
  • Stipend amounts are set by the state and can change year to year, so you should confirm current payment rates with your DARS regional office.
  • Hours must be documented and reported regularly to maintain your tier placement and continue receiving payments.

How the three tiers are structured by hours per week

Tier 1 is for caregivers working between 10 and 19 hours per week. This tier is intended for part-time caregivers who provide regular but limited care. If you work 10 hours one week and 19 the next, you remain in Tier 1 as long as your hours stay within that range.

Tier 2 covers caregivers working 20 to 34 hours per week. This tier represents a significant step up in hours and responsibility. Many caregivers in this tier are providing substantial daily support but are not yet working full-time hours.

Tier 3 is for caregivers working 35 or more hours per week. This tier includes full-time caregivers and those providing intensive, round-the-clock support. The highest monthly stipend is paid at this tier level.

When your tier changes and how it affects your payment

Your tier placement is reviewed based on the hours you report during each pay period. If your hours move from one tier range into another, your monthly stipend amount changes starting in the next payment cycle. For example, if you work 19 hours per week in January (Tier 1) and then increase to 22 hours per week in February, you move into Tier 2 and receive the Tier 2 stipend beginning in February.

The reverse is also true: if your hours drop below the minimum for your current tier, you move down to the lower tier. This can happen if a care recipient's needs change, if you take on fewer responsibilities, or if circumstances shift. You should report any significant change in your hours to your DARS coordinator as soon as it occurs, rather than waiting for the next scheduled report date.

Documentation and reporting requirements for tier placement

To stay in your assigned tier, you must document the hours you work each week. Most programs require you to keep a simple log or timesheet showing the date, start time, end time, and total hours for each day you provide care. This record is submitted to your DARS regional office or program coordinator, usually monthly or quarterly depending on your local program's schedule.

If your documentation shows hours that fall short of your tier's minimum, your stipend may be reduced or temporarily paused until your hours return to the required level. Conversely, if your hours consistently exceed your tier's range, you may be moved to a higher tier with a corresponding increase in payment. Accurate record-keeping protects both your stipend amount and your standing in the program.

How to find your current tier and payment amount

Your DARS regional office maintains your tier assignment and can tell you exactly which tier you are in and what your current monthly stipend is. You can contact your local DARS office by phone or visit in person; most offices have a caregiver program coordinator who handles stipend questions directly. Your regional office location is listed on the DARS website, organized by county.

When you contact your office, have your caregiver ID number or the care recipient's name and ID ready. The coordinator can also explain whether your hours are trending toward a tier change and what that would mean for your next payment. If you are unsure whether you are reporting hours correctly or whether your tier is accurate, this is the right time to ask for clarification.

What happens if your hours drop below the minimum for your tier

If your documented hours fall below the minimum for your current tier, you will be moved to a lower tier or, if your hours drop below 10 per week, you may become ineligible to receive a stipend. For example, if you are in Tier 2 (20–34 hours) but only work 15 hours in a given month, you would move to Tier 1 and receive the Tier 1 payment amount instead.

Some caregivers experience temporary reductions in hours due to illness, vacation, or changes in the care recipient's schedule. If you know your hours will be lower for a specific period, notify your DARS coordinator in advance. They can explain how the reduction will affect your tier and whether there are any options or protections available during that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move between tiers during the same month?

Tier changes are typically processed at the end of each reporting period, usually monthly. If your hours cross into a new tier range mid-month, the change takes effect in the next payment cycle, not immediately. Your coordinator can confirm the exact timing for your region.

What if I work more hours than Tier 3 requires?

Tier 3 is the highest tier, and there is no additional tier above it. If you work 40, 50, or more hours per week, you remain in Tier 3 and receive the Tier 3 stipend amount. The stipend does not increase beyond Tier 3, regardless of how many additional hours you work.

Do I have to stay in the same tier all year?

No. Your tier is based on your actual hours worked each reporting period. If your hours change, your tier can change. Some caregivers move between tiers multiple times per year depending on the care recipient's needs and their own availability.

How do I know if my hours are being counted correctly?

Request a copy of your hours report from your DARS regional office. They can show you exactly what hours they have on record for each pay period. If there is a discrepancy, bring your timesheet or documentation and ask them to correct it before your next tier information.