A method for forming a device with a multi-tiered contact structure includes forming first contacts in via holes down to a first level, forming a dielectric capping layer over exposed portions of the first contacts and forming a dielectric layer over the capping layer. Via holes are opened in the dielectric layer down to the capping layer. Holes are opened in the capping layer through the via holes to expose the first contacts. Contact connectors and second contacts are formed in the via holes such that the first and second contacts are connected through the capping layer by the contact connectors to form multi-tiered contacts.