How early should I start the VAD process?

Australia · 29 August 2026 · 5 min read · Reviewed by Dr Kane Treble

If voluntary assisted dying (VAD) may matter to you, ask for information early.

General information: This page gives general information for people in Australia. It cannot tell you when to start the VAD process in your personal situation. VAD eligibility, timing and request rules differ by state and territory, so confirm current requirements with the official VAD care navigator service, doctor or authorised VAD practitioner where you live.

If voluntary assisted dying (VAD) may matter to you, ask for information early. You do not have to make a formal request straight away. Early information can help you understand the rules, gather documents, talk with your treating team, and avoid leaving questions until a crisis.

The formal VAD process takes time. It is not emergency care. A person may become too unwell, lose decision-making capacity, or die before the process is finished.

Start with information before you need a decision

You can ask your doctor or care navigator:

"I may want to understand VAD later. Can I have information now?"

This does not usually start the formal process. It can help you learn:

whether VAD is operating where you live
whether your illness could meet the broad criteria
what prognosis evidence may be needed
which doctors can assess you
what proof of residency is needed
whether an interpreter or communication support is needed
which conversations must happen in person
how palliative care and symptom support fit alongside VAD

Do not wait until the final days if you can avoid it

Most VAD laws require several steps. These may include a first request, 2 independent assessments, a written request or declaration, a final request, a final review, authorisation, prescription, supply and plans for administration.

Some laws have a minimum waiting period between first and final requests. For example, Victoria and Queensland describe a minimum period that is generally at least 9 days between the first and final request, with limited exceptions when death or loss of capacity is likely within that time. NSW and other jurisdictions have their own steps and timing rules.

Even when a minimum period can be shortened, other steps still take time. Doctors may need records, specialist opinions, forms, training, authorisations and pharmacy arrangements.

You may be too early for eligibility but not too early for information

Being interested in VAD does not mean you are eligible now. In most states, you may need a prognosis of no more than 6 months, or 12 months for a neurodegenerative disease. Queensland uses a 12 month rule. The ACT has a different model, without the same fixed 6 or 12 month prognosis rule, but the condition still must be advanced, progressive, expected to cause death and causing intolerable suffering.

A doctor or navigator may say, "You are not eligible now, but you can ask again if things change." That can still be useful information.

Capacity can change

To access VAD, the person must have decision-making capacity for VAD at the required stages. Capacity can be affected by delirium, infection, medicines, brain disease, severe illness, confusion or rapid decline.

If you have an illness that may affect speech, swallowing, movement or communication, ask early about communication supports. This might include an interpreter, speech pathologist, communication board, device or other supports allowed by the law.

It is okay to pause

Starting a conversation or even beginning the formal process does not mean you must keep going. Official guidance in several jurisdictions says a person can stop or pause the process. People who are assessed as eligible may never use the VAD substance.

See Can I apply for VAD even if I am not sure I will use it?.

What about the Northern Territory?

The NT legislation portal recorded the Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill 2026 as passed on 27 August 2026. I could not verify an official commencement date or operating VAD pathway. If you live in the NT, ask a doctor or official NT health source for current information, but do not assume VAD can be started there until official commencement and service details are available.

When to get help now

If symptoms are severe or changing quickly, contact your treating team, palliative care service, GP or after-hours service. Call 000 for a life-threatening emergency.

If you feel unsafe or might harm yourself outside a lawful VAD process, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000 if danger is immediate.