My father was never around and never wanted to be. He was never ordered to pay child support. Can I file for back child support even though I am 23?

Simple answer... No.

As a child you are not entitled to receive support payments. Your Mother was however, but she never filed for them, and she can't now because its too late.

What would be your basis for a claim if it was never ordered?

What would be your basis for a claim if it was never ordered?

Child support (as has been stated) is for the parent not the child. If your mother (the responsible party) never filed then there is nothing for you to file either. If your mother had filed and is now deceased then you stand to inhierit the child support award if it were in arrears. But in this case there is nothing to fuss over now its too late. Your mother can't file either as that time has passed. Your now an adult.