Metropolitan Life Holding my Money Hostage!

I have an RA policy with Metropolitan since 2017 I think Sometime during 2021 my debit orders were no longer going through. I called to query ans ask they be re-instated. This however did not happen. I called again and was advised that the policy is "paid up" and would need to pay an amount in the thousands to re-instate the policy which I was not and currently am not prepared to do. Latest course of action by myself was to call as well as email to advise that I want to terminate this policy and receive my funds. I was given a surrender form which I duly completed and sent back with supporting documents. I received a response earlier today advising that I am unable to terminate and will only receive the funds upon retirement. So basically as it stands I am being told that you are refusing with my money when I have communicated in writing that I want to terminate this policy. My policy paperwork also states that early termination is possible Subject to a fee. Was that a lie? I would like my money please.