I am a separated mom with no job income, but have non court ordered child support & pay rent. Can I file taxes & claim my son?

[Carl]

If you don't have any income to report for 2022 (child support is not reportable) then you have no need to file a tax return, and would not qualify for any credits if you did.

[DoninGA]

Child support and rents paid are not reported on a federal tax return.

If you do not have at least $2,500 of earned income from work you are not eligible for the Child Tax Credit or any tax refund since you did not have taxes withheld from income you never received.

There is no need for you to file a 2022 tax return, with or without dependents.