Thousands of Virginians just getting unemployment benefits after threatening to sue

VIRGINIA — After being threatened with a lawsuit, the state of Virginia has started paying unemployment benefits to tens of thousands of residents whose claims had previously been on hold because they were awaiting a staff review.

State officials say they decided to pay the applicants while their claims continue make their way through the determination process. A spokesperson for the Virginia Employment Commission says payments started going out Tuesday night.

Officials say the move will certainly be a relief for many residents, but if the determination process finds the recipients did not qualify for the money, they will have to pay it back, possibly along with interest and fees