During the period 1988-2002, a considerable increase was noted in the number of the disabled in rural areas (by 55.2% in 1988 and by 53.9% in 2002). The highest increase, by 135.6%, was observed in the group of the legally disabled with a considerable degree of disability. The objective of the study was analysis of the causes for making decisions about incapability for independent existence among people aged under 75 insured by the Agricultural Social Insurance Fund (KRUS). The research method was analysis of records. The material collected was subject to statistical analysis by means of χ 2 test and Pareto analysis. The results of the study showed that motor organs diseases are the most frequent cause of making the decision concerning incapacity for independent existence among people insured by the KRUS. The respondents’ age, as well as the number and degree of advancement of diseases in the people examined, indicates considerable neglect on the part of primary health care, and delineates the direction of future prophylactic and treatment interventions for people running farms.