Rethinking VA Caregiver Tier 3 Requirements

If you're searching this, you've likely come across the term "Tier 3" somewhere describing VA caregiver stipend levels. It's worth knowing upfront: this terminology is outdated for most current applicants, and a fair amount of content online still repeats it as if it's the current system.

What Actually Changed

Before October 1, 2020, the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) used a three-tier system — Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 — based on a numerical clinical rating of the veteran's care needs. Effective October 1, 2020, VA replaced this with a two-level system, based on the percentage of care needed rather than a tier number. If you're applying to PCAFC today, "Tier 3" isn't a category you'll be assigned to.

What the Current System Actually Uses

Today's PCAFC uses Level 1 and Level 2, tied to a percentage of a federal wage benchmark rather than a tier number. Level 2 generally reflects a higher, more constant care need than Level 1, similar in spirit to how the old tiers worked, but calculated differently.

Where "Tier 3" Still Applies: Legacy Participants

If you or a family member enrolled in PCAFC before October 1, 2020, you may still be classified under the old three-tier system as part of what VA calls the "legacy cohort." Legacy participants continue under a transitional formula, and VA has extended protections so that legacy participants generally won't face a stipend-reducing reassessment before September 30, 2028, with limited exceptions.

Why the Confusion Persists

A meaningful amount of content online — including some guides that sound authoritative — describes "Tier 1, 2, and 3" as if it's the current system for all applicants. It isn't, for anyone applying today. If a source doesn't distinguish between legacy participants and current applicants, treat its specific numbers with caution.

Where to Get a Definitive Answer for Your Situation

The VA Caregiver Support Line can tell you directly whether you or your family member falls under the legacy system or the current Level 1/Level 2 system, and what that means for your specific stipend.

How This Connects to Home Care

Whichever system applies to your family, we're happy to talk through how professional home care could fit alongside the stipend you're receiving.

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Call us at (801) 401-3515 to talk through your situation.

Learn more about PCAFC and veteran caregiver pay mechanics.