HSF Hartford Income Shares Fund, Inc.

The Dividend Declaration Committee of The Hartford Income Shares Fund, Inc. today declared the regular monthly dividend at a rate of $0.0199 per share. This reflects a decrease from $0.0260 per share that was paid in September 2010. The dividend is payable to shareholders of record on October 19, 2010, and will be paid on October 25, 2010. Monthly dividends have been paid since January 1973.

The Hartford Income Shares Fund, Inc. is a closed-end, diversified management investment company with net assets of approximately $83 million, as of September 30, 2010, that are invested in a diversified portfolio of debt securities. The Company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Its investment manager is Hartford Investment Financial Services, LLC, and its sub-adviser is Hartford Investment Management Company, both wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., a publicly traded company.

The Fund is scheduled to be reorganized into the Rivus Bond Fund, managed by Cutwater Asset Management Corp., as of October 22, 2010. In anticipation of this reorganization, the dividend payment for the month of October, which is normally distributed on or about November 15th, will be distributed in the month of October, and the dividend reinvestment option will not be offered for this dividend distribution. All October dividends will be paid in cash.

Dividend information for The Hartford Income Shares Fund for the month of October

Declaration Amount:         $0.0199   Payment Date: October 25, 2010   Record Date: October 19, 2010   Ex Date: October 15, 2010   Declaration Date: October 14, 2010

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to the fund’s future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and The Hartford assumes no duty to and does not undertake to update forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements and past performance is not an indication of future performance. We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date issued.

These materials are not intended to provide tax, accounting or legal advice. As with all matters of a tax or legal nature, you should consult your own tax or legal counsel for advice. The information cannot be used or relied upon for the purpose of computing your federal or state taxes, or avoiding IRS penalties.

Investing in funds involves significant risks, including the risk that you may lose part or all of the money you invest. For information on the risks associated with this fund, please see the fund’s most recent Annual Shareholder Report, dated July 31, 2010, and Semi-annual Shareholder Report, dated January 31, 2010.

You should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of The Hartford Income Shares Fund, Inc. before investing. The Annual and Semi-Annual Reports and other regulatory filings of the fund with the SEC are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and on The Hartford’s website at www.hartfordinvestor.com. The information contained on The Hartford’s website is not a part of this press release. You may also obtain information by calling 1-888-483-0972.