AWS Free Credit

Based on the information available, AWS has recently updated its Free Tier program to offer new customers up to $200 in credits - $100 upon sign-up and an additional $100 that can be earned by completing specific activities with services like Amazon EC2, Amazon RDS, AWS Lambda, Amazon Bedrock, and AWS Budgets.

Unfortunately, the AWS Free Tier benefits begin on the date you activate your account, not when you decide to start using the services. If you created an account a few years ago but didn't use it, your initial 12-month Free Tier period has likely expired.

AWS doesn't typically reinstate Free Tier benefits for existing accounts, even if they weren't used. The Free Tier is designed for new customers to explore AWS services.

You have a few options:

1. You could create a new AWS account with a different email address to access the new enhanced Free Tier benefits, which would give you access to the $100 initial credit and the opportunity to earn an additional $100.

2. If you're a student, you might be eligible for AWS Educate, which provides AWS Promotional Credits once your application is approved. You would need to sign up with your educational institution email address.

3. You could also look into AWS Skill Builder for free digital training courses, or keep an eye out for AWS-sponsored events, webinars, or workshops that sometimes offer promotional credits to participants.

If you've incurred any unexpected charges while learning, you might consider contacting AWS Billing Support to explain your situation.
Sources
How Can I Get Free AWS Credits as a Student for Learning? | AWS re:Post
AWS Free Tier update: New customers can get started and explore AWS with up to $200 in credits | AWS News Blog
No free tier visible | AWS re:Post
How do you guys like the new free tier? | AWS re:Post