As of Jan. 1, 2009, Hilton HHonors members will earn elite status by a calendar system instead of the current, and often confusing, rolling fiscal system. Starting in January, members may earn a higher VIP status when their stays, night or base points within a calendar year qualify the member for the next tier. Members must re-qualify for VIP status each year; however, when a member qualifies, the elite membership is valid for the remainder of the year in which he or she qualifies and the subsequent calendar year.