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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Many veterans lose or are not able to use their education benefits when they return home. In 2011, President Obama signed the Vow to Hire Heroes Act in order to improve transition assistance programs and expand education and training.

One of the results of that act is the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program, or VRAP. Unemployed veterans between the ages of 35 and 60 have a second opportunity to receive education benefits.

"It is a great opportunity, most veterans don't receive benefits because they lose them or they didn't get to use them, so it opens the door so they can actually get this education benefit while they're going to school, so it's a great program," said Teresa McNitt, of Indian Hills Community College's Veteran's Affairs.

The program is similar to other veterans assistance programs, but it is extremely limited. Only 45,000 veterans nationwide will be able to participate in the program from July 1 to September 30, and another 54,000 participants will be accepted from October 1, 2012 to March 31, 2014. Participants will receive $1,473 a month.

"It's a very limited program and it only lasts 12 months, but with our college we can also help them get other financing so they can continue on in their associate degree level or their certificate, so we can work fast with them," McNitt said.

Though the program is limited, McNitt said there has not been too many applications sent in since the program began accepting them May 15.

There are several qualifications for VRAP. Veterans must be:

-Unemployed

-At least 35 but no more than 65 years old

-Have an other than dishonorable discharge

-Not eligible for any other VA education benefit programs

-Not in receipt of VA compensation due to Individual Unemployability

-Not enrolled in a federal or state job training program, and

-Enrolled in a VA approved program of education offered by a community college or technical school

To apply or for more information, call 1-800-827-1000, or visit www.benefits.va.gov/VOW

McNitt and the Indian Hills Veterans Affairs office can also help interested veterans with the application, and with other financial opportunities they qualify for.