So I received a letter from the irs stating that I needed to verify my identity which I did successfully over the phone ....I was then told it would take 9 weeks for me to receive my refund ...has any

I literally just did the same thing like 10 minutes ago and was told the same thing.. hoping it doesn’t really take 9 weeks. That’s freaking crazy. 

Even though the IRS issues 9 out of 10 tax refunds within 21 days, it's possible your return may require additional review and take longer to process.

Also, the PATH Act requirements and other identity-protection safeguards implemented by the IRS may account for longer wait times.

Please look at the article below to see the list of things that can delay a refund.

Why do some refunds take longer than others?

If it's been processed and accepted, you can begin to track your refund at the IRS Where's My Refund? site.