It says I qualify for the child tax credit but it is not adding it to my refund amount. what is going on?

[MelindaS1]

The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is only a partially refundable credit, this means only a portion of it can be refunded to you, if you qualify; the non-refundable portion is used as a normal tax credit, just to lower your tax liability for the year. This is why you would not see the Child Tax Credit reflected in your refund, because the base CTC is non-refundable. The portion of the Child Tax Credit that is refundable is called the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), and is refundable up to $1,700 for those who the CTC is greater than their tax liability. Additionally, you must have earned income of at least $2,500 to be eligible for the ACTC. 

Do you need help checking your eligibility for the refundable ACTC?

Learn more:

TurboTax - What is the Additional Child Tax Credit?

IRS - Child Tax Credit - Who qualifies for the Child Tax Credit?