What is a level 1 VA caregiver? Understanding the role and benefits

Oct 24, 2025 3 min read •

senior care Caregiver Support Veteran Benefits

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), thousands of family caregivers provide essential support to veterans every day. This authoritative guide clarifies the specific designation: what is a level 1 VA caregiver, detailing their responsibilities, eligibility, and the vital support they provide.

Quick Summary

A Level 1 VA caregiver provides a standard level of support for eligible veterans who are not classified as "unable to self-sustain" in the community, offering assistance with daily tasks and supervision. This role includes access to specific training, benefits, and a monthly stipend calculated at a specific rate for their care level.

Key Points

Level 1 Care Defined: A level 1 VA caregiver provides a moderate level of assistance and supervision, not constant hands-on care [2].
Veteran's Status: Veterans receiving Level 1 care are determined not to be completely unable to self-sustain in the community [2].
Stipend Difference: The monthly stipend for a Level 1 caregiver is a lower percentage of the standard rate compared to the more intensive Level 2 [2].
Key Responsibilities: Tasks include medication reminders, transportation assistance, emotional support, and help with IADLs [2].
Eligibility Requirements: Both the veteran and caregiver must meet specific VA criteria, including living together and completing required training [2].
Official Resources: The official VA website is the best source for current stipend rates and detailed eligibility information [1, 2].

The VA Caregiver Support Program Explained

The VA Caregiver Support Program offers resources, education, and financial aid to eligible family members caring for a veteran. The program uses a tiered system, Level 1 (moderate need) and Level 2 (high need), to tailor support and stipends to the veteran's clinical requirements [1, 2]. Understanding these levels is crucial, especially regarding the role of a Level 1 VA caregiver.

What is a level 1 VA caregiver? Defining the role and responsibilities

A Level 1 VA caregiver provides moderate care for a veteran who needs some assistance but is not completely dependent. This involves supporting independence and ensuring safety [2].

Key responsibilities often include:

Assisting with routine activities: Medication reminders, transportation, scheduling [2].
Ensuring safety and supervision: General oversight to prevent unsafe actions [2].
Emotional support: Companionship and encouragement [2].
Support with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs): Managing finances, meal preparation, housekeeping [2].

Eligibility for Level 1 VA Caregivers

Both the veteran and caregiver must meet specific VA criteria. The veteran needs a service-connected disability and daily living assistance [2]. The caregiver must be a family member or friend, at least 18, and provide the necessary care [2].

Eligibility criteria include:

Veteran has a serious service-related injury or illness [2].
Veteran requires personal care for at least six months [2].
Veteran is enrolled in VA health care [2].
Caregiver completes VA training [2].
Veteran and caregiver live together or plan to [2].

Stipends and Financial Support for Level 1 Caregivers

Level 1 VA caregivers receive a monthly stipend. The amount is a percentage of the rate based on the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule for Grade 4, Step 1, adjusted for the veteran's location [2]. This percentage is lower than the Level 2 stipend, reflecting the difference in care intensity [2]. Rates are updated annually [2].

Level 1 vs. Level 2: A Comprehensive Comparison

The primary difference between Level 1 and Level 2 care is the veteran's ability to self-sustain and the required level of hands-on care [2].


Feature	Level 1 (Moderate Need)	Level 2 (High Need)
Veteran's Need	Requires assistance with some daily tasks and supervision; generally more independent.	Requires substantial hands-on assistance with multiple activities of daily living (ADLs) or constant supervision [2].
Caregiver Responsibilities	Focuses on guidance, supervision, and occasional help with personal care and IADLs.	Involves intensive hands-on support for ADLs like bathing, dressing, and mobility [2].
Stipend Rate	A lower percentage of the monthly stipend rate, reflecting less intensive care [2].	A higher percentage of the monthly stipend rate, commensurate with the higher care demands [2].
Eligibility Assessment	The veteran is determined to be not unable to self-sustain [2].	The veteran is determined to be unable to self-sustain, often due to a severe injury or disability [2].
Example Tasks	Medication reminders, transportation, emotional support.	Feeding, lifting, changing medical equipment, mobility assistance [2].

The Application Process for VA Caregivers

Applying to be a VA caregiver involves several steps:

Gather Required Documentation: Collect military, medical, and personal information for the veteran and caregiver [2].
Submit VA Form 10-10CG: This form requires signatures from both the veteran and caregiver and can be submitted online, by mail, or in person [2].
Undergo Medical Assessment: A VA healthcare provider assesses the veteran's needs to determine program eligibility [2].
Complete Caregiver Training: Approved caregivers must complete mandatory VA training [2].
Await a Decision: The VA reviews the application and notifies applicants of their decision, confirming the care level and benefits if approved [2].

Understanding the Impact

Being a VA caregiver is a significant role. Understanding the expectations and benefits of the specific care level is crucial [2]. Level 1 caregivers are vital in helping veterans maintain independence [2]. The VA's program provides structure and support for caregivers [2]. Staying informed through official channels ensures both the veteran and caregiver are supported [2].

For more detailed information, including eligibility and application resources, visit the official VA Caregiver Support Program website [1].

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference lies in the veteran's clinical need and the intensity of care required. Level 1 is for veterans with moderate needs who are not fully dependent on constant, hands-on care, while Level 2 is for veterans with more severe needs requiring substantial assistance with activities of daily living [2].

The stipend for a Level 1 caregiver is a specific percentage (lower than Level 2) of the monthly stipend rate. This rate is based on the General Schedule (GS) Annual Rate for Grade 4, Step 1, adjusted for the veteran's specific locality pay area [2].

Yes, all designated VA caregivers, including Level 1, must complete required training provided by the VA. This ensures they are prepared to provide safe and effective care for the veteran [2].

Yes, a spouse, child, parent, or friend can be designated as a VA caregiver, including for Level 1, as long as they meet the VA's eligibility criteria for age, relationship, and training [2].

While being a caregiver is a demanding role, it does not prevent you from being employed elsewhere. The VA assesses the time commitment required and provides a stipend to support the caregiver's efforts, but it is not considered taxable income [2].

If a veteran's condition changes and their need for personal care increases, a reassessment can be requested from the VA. If the veteran meets the criteria for higher-intensity care, the caregiver's designation and stipend level may be adjusted [2].

To apply, the veteran and the potential caregiver must submit VA Form 10-10CG to the Department of Veterans Affairs. This form initiates the evaluation process to determine eligibility for the program [2].

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.