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Some EE bonds reach maturity after 17 or 20 years. They reach final maturity after 30 years. Only then are they automatically redeemed. Yes, it's confusing and much of what's written, even on the Treasury site, doesn't get it quite right.
These EE bonds have 2 maturity dates EE bonds that we issued from May 1997 through April 2005 have an original maturity date part way into the bond's 30-year life, as well as a final maturity date at the end of the bond's 30-year life.
Issue date of EE bond Original maturity date May 1, 1997 through May 1, 2003 17 years from issue date June 1, 2003 through April 1, 2005 20 years from issue date
Comments
https://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/help/treasurydirect-help/faq/#id-redeeming-savings-bonds-172649
Not all that different from Social Security talking about "full" retirement age, which is different from when you max out. https://www.treasurydirect.gov/savings-bonds/ee-bonds/may-1997-through-april-2005/