I wanted to start collecting widow's benefits last year when I turned 60.
I was told over the phone by local Soc. Sec. office that if I did that, I would
be collecting a monthly amount (79% of amount at actual retirement age benefit)
and it would stay that amount even when I reached actual retirement age.
Is this true?

Hi,

If you start drawing widow(er)'s benefits at age 60, the applicable reduction percentage is actually 28.5%. In other words, assuming that the deceased spouse didn't receive reduced retirement benefits prior to their death, the benefit rate of a widow(er) starting benefits at age 60 would be 71.5% of the amount that they would receive if they waited until full retirement age (FRA) to start drawing. And yes, the reduction is permanent unless the widow(er) is already drawing Social Security disability benefits on their own record when they become entitled as a widow(er), or if they lose some of their payments prior to FRA due to the Social Security earnings test (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html).

However, if the widow(er) could switch to higher benefits on their own record at age 70 it would still likely be advantageous to start their widow(er) benefits ASAP. You should strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website to explore your filing options and determine your best strategy.

Best, Jerry