Can this college demand money from me for not completing a free government funded course?

[ClockwatchingClara]

They probably can but I'm so gutted and wonder if any knows where I stand in this situation.

A few months ago I kept coming across adverts on FB offering government funded free course for people.

I signed up for one as I am currently not working and thought it would be helpful in my drive to get back to work.

I have been caring for my mum the last 5 years. She has Alzheimer's and cancer. I have some chronic health issues and the stress of the last few years have excerbated my issues to the point that I had to give up my job last November. I am currently surviving on carers allowance. None of the above is meant as a sob story, it's just to give some clarity on my current situation.

Being at home more I thought a free course would be ideal as I have no spare money and really need to return to work but unfortunately mum's health took a turn for the worst and I've had to spend a lot more time at my parents. Last month I came down with the flu and then a rotten cold and it all floored me for the whole month. The course took a back seat tbh. I just haven't had the time to concentrate on it. If I have any spare time I sleep as I'm feeling so worn out.

Anyhow, the college emailed me saying that I have missed my deadlines and to contact them for an extension. I contacted them today explaining my situation and to say that I don't think I'll be able to complete in all honesty so it would be better if I were to withdraw.

Someone in admin has sent a message saying how sorry they are to hear that and that's fine but they will now contact finance to draw up an non-completion charge of £100!

My carers allowance is pittance and barely covers my bills. I don't have a spare £10 atm let alone £100. I'm really stressing.

Will I absolutely have to pay this?

Was there anything about it mentioned when you signed up? If not I'd say you definitely shouldn't have to pay it. If it was mentioned then you could try and talk your way out of it...maybe ask to defer until you're in a better position?

I did one of these free government funded courses, and it was made clear in the enrolment information that they would be a charge/cancellation fee if you started the course and then dropped out. I suppose it’s a deterrent as the college will be wasting their time and resources if people do drop out. I don’t think it’s unreasonable. Maybe ask again if you can get an extension? I really had to be disciplined to set time aside to complete the course. I’m sure they would rather you completed it over a longer period than drop out?

Just had in something, anything, for the assignments and final the course

Yes they say that but I just ignored it and they didn’t follow up.

I started one of those but it was terrible and used very outdated terminology and information (on autism). I stopped and was waiting for a fee letter (that I planned to ignore or argue depending on how I felt) but it never came!

I will contact them today and see where I stand on this. If I have to I will request an extension and see if I can muddle on through with it but I simply don't need the stress right now. Lesson learnt I suppose.

You will need to check your contract and the terms and conditions of the course.
I run a university course which is funded by the government and we only get paid for students who complete and pass the course. Therefore, we have a clause in the contract which states students will be liable for fees if they fail to complete.

I'd do what you can to complete the course if you can.

I got caught out too :( feels so unethical of the college. They hide it in the small print.