For tax year 2022 you must have at least $2,500 of earned income to be eligible for the Child Tax Credit. Social Security benefits are not earned income.
If the Social Security benefits you received is your only income and you do not have federal taxes withheld from those benefits there is no need for you to file a 2022 tax return.
Q. Will I receive a child tax credit refund this year if I only have social security and disability to file?
A. No. Because of Covid, you could get Child Tax Credit money on your 2021 tax filing. But that was a one time thing. For 2022 things are back to normal.
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.
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.
Instead, 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.
If you are a student, 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. There's even a loop hole available to claim the credit, if you are on scholarship.