If I didn't pay in but I worked doing side jobs can I get full child credit

[Hal_Al]

Yes. Not having any withholding does not affect the Child Tax credit (CTC) nor the earned income credit. The child tax credit is only partially refundable, so you may not get the full $1000, if you have a low calculated tax.

Furthermore, even though a full $1000 may show on line 52 of your 1040; you may not actually receive it all. Self employment tax (social security & medicare tax) is calculated on line 57 and will reduce your anticipated refund. So, in a sense, not having withholding may prevent you from "getting" all your CTC, but it doesn't stop you from being credited for it.

[SweetieJean]

Be sure to keep good records.