> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://balancer.gitbook.io/balancer-v2/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://balancer.gitbook.io/balancer-v2/ecosystem/vebal-and-gauges/vebal/how-to-use-vebal.md).

# How To Use veBAL

## Acquiring veBAL

{% hint style="warning" %}
**One account cannot hold distinct chunks of locked veBAL with different expiration dates**. 

If you lock additional BPT to increase an existing veBAL balance, you must also choose a new expiration date for your total veBAL balance. The earliest option is the original expiration date.
{% endhint %}

To acquire veBAL, you'll need to do the following:

* Provide liquidity to the the 80/20 BAL/WETH pool on Ethereum

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/-1Gg7pHusD0>" %}

* Stake the 80/20 BAL/WETH BPT to get veBAL
  * In doing so, you'll need to choose your lock period. The longer you lock, the more veBAL voting power/weighting you get, but the longer you must wait to unlock your BPT

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/TsaWFcc7JcQ>" %}

## Extending veBAL Lock Period

* To extend your lock time, go to the veBAL page and follow the same process as locking your 80/20 BAL/WETH BPT; this time, however, you do not need provide additional 80/20 BAL/WETH BPT; instead, enter a later date in the calendar selector to extend your lock period and acquire more veBAL.

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/cvp1THi2oGY>" %}

## Reclaiming Your BAL/WETH BPT

On the veBAL page, click the (-) icon in the "My locked 80BAL-20WETH" box to start unlocking your BPT from expired veBAL.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzVTI7qBX_c>" %}


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