Can I file my 1098 T and still recevie money back if I dod not work this year

[Critter]

Are you claimed as a dependent on someone else's return ?  If yes then only they can claim the education credit.

If you are not a dependent and you didn't work how did you support yourself?

[Hal_Al]

If you are over age 23, and are not claimed as a dependent by someone else (e.g. your parent) you may be eligible for the up to $1000 refundable American Opportunity (tuition) Credit. That credit is not dependent on having either kids or earned income. You must be at least a half time undergraduate student and actually paid tuition (not just had it paid by grants). Tuition paid by loans counts as paid by you (since you have to pay that back, someday)

[larrydcooksr1]

The question is above but i did receive Social Security Retirement.Could i file the 1098?

[AnnetteB6]

The answer referenced by user Hal_Al is still valid if you received Social Security retirement.  

However, the key would be that you would have to qualify for the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and not another education tax benefit which does not have a refundable amount.  

Take a look at the following TurboTax article for more inforamtion about the requirements to qualify for the AOTC before you decide to proceed.  Pay close attention to the section about an eligible student.

Who is eligible to take the American Opportunity Tax Credit?