US States to Adopt Blockchain-Enabled Welfare Payment System

American Idea Foundation (AIF), a non-profit organization founded by Paul Ryan, former US House Speaker, has partnered with Digital Asset to support the implementation of the RISE (Resources for Independence, Stability, and Employment) pilot program. The program aims to modernize welfare payment systems in US states.

RISE will use the Canton Network, a public blockchain developed by Digital Asset, as its technical foundation. The network is designed to provide privacy protection while allowing multiple stakeholders to share transactions and rules.

The RISE pilot will start in 2027's first quarter in three unspecified US states. AIF's goal is to reduce fragmentation in welfare payments and minimize the burden of benefit reductions on households when their income increases.