Aim. The mechanisms of the impact of family support on somatic diseases are still unclear and they are subject of research. Especially little is known about the role of family relations. This study discusses the meaning of social support in somatic disorders, particularly acute leukaemia in the context of family functioning. The aim of the study is the evaluation of usefulness of the Manfred Cierpka questionnaire as the assessment tool examining social support for leukaemic patients. Method. The study included 36 subjects, 21 men and 15 women, with diagnosis of acute leukaemia. The level of depression symptoms was Manfred Cierpka questionnaire usefulness in the analysis of perception of familiar support in patients with acute leukaemia by the set of questionnaires. The level of disease symptoms was estabilished on the basis of several clinical variables and procedures, during a one year course of the disease. Family functioning and functioning of the patient within the family were evaluated by family assessment questionnaire of Cierpka. Results. The result of the overall family functioning assessment in the subgroup with depressive symptoms was significantly worse than in the group without depression. There was no such difference in self assessment of the patients' functioning in the family. The scores of the family assessment questionnaire does not differentiate the group according to severity of the illness and one year mortality. Conclusion. The Manfred Cierpka questionnaire is helpful as an assessment method of subjective perception of family support for leukaemic patients. The results of the family functioning questionnaire are related to the sustaining of depressive symptoms in the course of the disease. It may indicate the usefulness of early family intervention in the specific group of patients.