You do not need to file a tax return. You may file one and claim your child. You'll get $43 "child refund". This assumes you are not married.
The money you hear about people
getting for just filing a tax return claiming kids requires you to ...
A child can be the “qualifying child” dependent of any close
relative in the household. If you live with someone else, e.g. your parents, it
may be better if they claim your child or if the non-custodial parent claims her
