HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP INC/DE | 2013 | FY | 3

 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2013
2012
 
2013
2012
Service cost
$
—

$
26

 
$
—

$
1

Interest cost
60

63

 
3

5

Expected return on plan assets
(79
)
(78
)
 
(3
)
(3
)
Amortization of prior service credit
—

(2
)
 
(2
)
—

Amortization of actuarial loss
14

53

 
—

—

Settlements
—

—

 
—

—

Net periodic benefit cost
$
(5
)
$
62

 
$
(2
)
$
3


The income in 2013 is a result of the expected return on plan assets more than offsetting the lower expenses due to the announced plan freeze. Lower expenses are primarily due to a change in the amortization period resulting in lower actuarial losses.

us-gaap:ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTextBlock