You are expecting to get back the maximum amount ----the EIC is calculated on a bell curve. You are getting almost to the limit of not getting any EIC--- so if you have one child and your income was $38K, the $500+ you are getting is correct.
Look at the IRS table for EIC. Your income is on page 36
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p596.pdf
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