Paul Ryan Foundation Backs Blockchain-Based Benefits Pilot

A new blockchain-based pilot, RISE, is being developed to modernize how public benefits are distributed in the United States. The program, led by Digital Asset and the American Idea Foundation, a group associated with former U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027, pending federal approvals.

RISE aims to consolidate multiple state-administered benefits into scheduled payments with adjustable rules that can adapt to changes in household income. The system would automatically recalibrate benefit levels when income changes and allow participating agencies to monitor payments, balances, spending, and compliance data through the Canton Network.

The partners did not specify which states or programs would be included in the pilot, but stated that it would reduce penalties for families as they earn more income. Paul Ryan described RISE as a way to modernize the safety net by using Canton to coordinate permissions, payment logic, and transaction execution.