> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.worklayer.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Check balances and the team calendar

> Check your policy balance and visible team absences, then use that context to choose dates for a time off request.

**Time off** shows your available policy balances and planned absences. Use the balance and the **Team calendar** together when choosing dates for a request.

## Check the policy balance

Open **Time off** and find the balance for the type you plan to request. The amount shown depends on the policy assigned to your employee record. In the request drawer, a balance preview updates for the selected type and dates, so recheck it after changing the range or day length.

## See who is away

Switch to **Team calendar** to review the absences your role may see around the proposed dates. The calendar gives team context, while the request drawer can also point out conflicts for the dates you select. A colleague's private profile tabs are not the right way to inspect the team's absences.

## Request with context

Start a request after reviewing the balance and calendar. Choose full or half days only if the policy offers that option, and add a substitute or certificate if the request asks for one. If a type is missing or a balance looks wrong, ask an administrator to check your policy assignment before submitting several attempts.

## Next steps

[Request time off](https://help.worklayer.ai/help/time-off/request.md) · [Time off policies](https://help.worklayer.ai/help/time-off/policies.md)


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