The following summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost:
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2019
2018
2019
2018
Service cost
$
4
$
4
$
—
$
1
Interest cost
7
7
1
2
Expected return on plan assets
(8
)
(9
)
—
—
Amortization:
– prior service credit
(2
)
(2
)
(4
)
(2
)
– actuarial loss
2
3
—
—
Net settlement loss(a)
—
4
—
—
Net periodic benefit cost(b)
$
3
$
7
$
(3
)
$
1
(a)
Settlements are recognized as they occur, once it is probable that lump sum payments from a plan for a given year will exceed the plan’s total service and interest cost for that year.
(b)
Net periodic benefit cost reflects a calculated market-related value of plan assets which recognizes changes in fair value over three years.
During the first three months of 2019, we made contributions of $18 million to our funded pension plans and we expect to make additional contributions up to an estimated $32 million over the remainder of 2019. During the first three months of 2019, we made payments of $2 million and $5 million related to unfunded pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. The U.K. pension plan is classified as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2019. See Note 4 for further information on this disposition.