I am/was a student on government assistance with three dependence last year. How do I file?

[mebcb]

Long Beach Ca Paid rent and utilities with the government cash assistance each month and still had to borrow from my mom. 3 kids as dependents with full custody in court. I pay my rent to my mom who lives out of state and pays the mortgage on the triplex we and others rent out short term and long term. I manage the property and have 2 vehicles used for the properties and us.

[DavidD66]

You didn't mention any income, just assistance from the city of Long Beach, CA and loans from your mother.  If you don't have any income, you don't have anything to file.  

[Hal_Al]

The money you hear about people getting for just filing a tax return claiming kids requires them to  have some earned income (wages or self employment). Without earned income, they are not eligible for the "refundable" Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit.  Both credits are calculated on the amount of earned income you have. No earned income means no "refund". A small amount of earned income means a small refund. The child tax credit does not "kick in" unless you have at least $2500 of earned income.

You could allow the non-custodial parent to claim the children.  Non-custodial parents are allowed to claim the child tax credit, but not the Earned income credit. With 3 kids, the  child tax credit is worth as much as $6000 to him. 

[Hal_Al]

If you are a student, over age 23 (if a full time student), 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 degree candidate or credential candidate at a vocational school. There's even a loop hole available to claim the credit, if you are on scholarship.

For more info, see: 

https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/AOTC