Blockchain Innovation: U.S. States Test Digital Benefits with Canton Network

I love it when technology meets humanity—and that’s what makes this project so exciting. Starting in 2027, the RISE program (Realizing Integrated Social Equity) aims to be a game-changer for social benefits administration in the U.S. At its core, the initiative will leverage the Canton Network blockchain to distribute social benefits more centrally and efficiently across three states. Behind this effort are the Paul Ryan Foundation and Digital Asset, a tech company that has been developing the Canton Network platform for years.
Why This Isn’t Just Abstract Tech Jargon
Imagine applying for social benefits in the U.S. Instead of filling out multiple forms across different agencies, everything could soon run through a single digital platform. No paperwork, no waiting in line, no confusing forms. That’s not wishful thinking—it’s the goal of RISE—and it could fundamentally change how we think about social equity.
Traditionally, social benefits like food assistance, housing aid, and healthcare programs are highly fragmented. Each state has its own rules, forms, and databases, leading to inefficiencies, redundancies, and massive bureaucratic overhead—for both administrators and the people who rely on these benefits. RISE seeks to address this by using the Canton Network blockchain to create a secure, transparent, and interconnected infrastructure.
Canton Network: More Than Just a Buzzword
Developed by Digital Asset, the Canton Network isn’t just another blockchain platform. It’s a decentralized network built on the DAML programming language, already used in finance—for example, in banking trade settlements. Now, it’s being tested in the social sector. What makes it special? There’s no central control. Instead, cryptographic methods enable secure and efficient transactions between different actors.
The Paul Ryan Foundation, named after the former U.S. Speaker of the House, focuses on promoting economic self-sufficiency and administrative efficiency in government. Alongside Digital Asset, it launched RISE—initially in three U.S. states (which ones remain undecided, but they’re expected to present diverse social challenges to test the system’s flexibility).
The Benefits Are Clear
By 2027, residents in these states could manage their social benefits through a single digital platform, leading to:
1. Simplified Applications: No more bouncing between agencies—everything runs on one platform.
2. Faster Processing: Automation and direct data sharing between agencies could significantly speed up



approvals.
3. Transparency & Control: Users would have a clear view of their benefits and could more easily spot misuse.
4. Cost Savings: Reduced bureaucracy and shared infrastructure could lower administrative costs.
Sounds almost too good to be true? Maybe—but that’s the magic of innovation: it challenges the impossible and makes it possible.
Privacy: A Sensitive Issue
Of course, concerns arise. A system centralizing so much data raises questions about privacy and security. Canton Network uses cryptographic methods to protect user data, and the Paul Ryan Foundation emphasizes that data sovereignty should rest with citizens. This means users decide which agencies access which information. Additionally, anonymized analytics could help identify policy trends without exposing individual data—a crucial point in an era where data is increasingly treated as currency.
Global Inspiration
RISE isn’t the first project using blockchain for social benefits. Estonia, a pioneer in e-government, already manages some social benefits digitally. Sweden’s Migrationsverket uses blockchain to identify asylum seekers and allocate aid, while Singapore’s "VitalLinked" pilot lets citizens manage benefits via a blockchain-based app.
These international examples show blockchain being recognized as a solution for inefficient bureaucracies. However, criticism exists—especially in the U.S., where debates often center on digital surveillance risks. Critics warn that such a system could lead to the monitoring of the needy, particularly if benefits data is linked to programs like tax administration.
A Project with Political and Economic Clout
The Paul Ryan Foundation has strong ties to U.S. Republican politics. Paul Ryan himself, Speaker of the House from 2015 to 2019, championed welfare reforms that emphasized self-reliance—a philosophy mirrored in RISE’s approach.
Digital Asset, meanwhile, is a private tech firm founded by former bankers and finance experts. With deep blockchain experience in finance, it sees social services as a new frontier. The collaboration between a politically connected foundation and a tech company could help anchor the project at the highest levels of government.
So, What’s Next? A Look Ahead
RISE’s success depends on several factors:
1. Technical Feasibility: Can Canton Network meet strict security and scalability requirements?
2. Political Support: Will participating states sustain the initiative long-term?
3. Public Trust: Can privacy and equity concerns be addressed effectively?