How long do I have to use my Segal Education Award?

Seven years from the date you completed your term of service. You can check the exact expiration date in your My AmeriCorps account.

What happens to my award if it expires?

Unused funds are forfeited. They do not roll over, transfer, or convert to cash.

Can I get an extension on my Segal Education Award?

Extensions are rare and granted only in limited circumstances, such as active military service. Do not plan around one; plan around your actual expiration date.

How far ahead should I book a program abroad?

Start three to four months before departure. Programs can be booked up to twelve months out, so if your award expires within a year, begin now.

Resource hubAward Basics

Does My Segal Education Award Expire?

Yes. Your Segal Education Award expires seven years after the date you completed your term of service. Unused funds are forfeited after that, so the practical deadline for choosing a program is a few months before the expiration date, not on it.

By Kristal Sawatzke|Updated August 17, 2026|3 min read

Finding your exact deadline

Log in to your My AmeriCorps account. Your award balance and expiration date are listed there. The clock starts when you finished service, not when you first used any of the funds, and it does not pause because you have not touched the award.

Working backward from the date

The award has to be requested and disbursed before it expires, and disbursement runs through the school. That takes time. Build in a buffer.

Twelve months out: shortlist destinations and program types.
Six months out: pick the program and confirm the partnering Title IV school.
Three to four months out: enroll, submit the award request, and book flights.
One month out: passport, visa, and insurance finalized.

If your award is expiring soon

Do not wait for a perfect plan. Tell us your expiration date and we’ll work backward from it to find programs with departure dates that still fit. We also send optional reminders at twelve, six, three, and one month before expiry if you share the date in a planning guide request.

Quick answers

How long do I have to use my Segal Education Award?: Seven years from the date you completed your term of service. You can check the exact expiration date in your My AmeriCorps account.
What happens to my award if it expires?: Unused funds are forfeited. They do not roll over, transfer, or convert to cash.
Can I get an extension on my Segal Education Award?: Extensions are rare and granted only in limited circumstances, such as active military service. Do not plan around one; plan around your actual expiration date.
How far ahead should I book a program abroad?: Start three to four months before departure. Programs can be booked up to twelve months out, so if your award expires within a year, begin now.

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