Canton Network Aims to Simplify State Benefits Distribution with Blockchain Pilot

Digital Asset, the creator of the Canton Network, and the American Idea Foundation, founded by former US House Speaker Paul Ryan, are piloting a blockchain-based system for distributing state-administered benefits across three US states. The RISE program aims to launch in the first quarter of 2027, combining multiple benefits into monthly or twice-monthly payments with spending rules applied to categories such as food, child care, and cash.

The pilot is intended to reduce penalties that can occur when benefit recipients' incomes rise, according to Ryan. By automatically adjusting benefit levels based on household income changes and allowing participating agencies to track payments, balances, spending, and compliance data through Canton, the system aims to streamline benefits distribution while limiting access to sensitive information.

The RISE program is expected to add a public-benefits use case to Canton, whose recent growth has largely centered on institutional finance. The company has been involved in various government-linked projects, including a proof of concept using Canton to test Japanese government bonds as digital collateral for real-time cross-border transactions.