Cryptocurrency as a mechanism of social protection for the visually impaired: the Kazakhstan case

Purpose of the research. The main aim of this work is to study the potential of blockchain technology and the "social wallet" concept to transform the social support system for the visually impaired in Kazakhstan. The research is focused on developing a model aimed at increasing the system's transparency, efficiency, and the financial autonomy of its recipients.

Methodology. The research methodology includes an interdisciplinary analysis that combines social welfare theory, conceptual modeling of blockchain-based technological solutions (smart contracts, DID, DAO), and economic analysis. A financial flow model for the "social wallet" (Stotal=B+D+G) was developed and quantitatively validated using public data on social payments and market prices in Kazakhstan.

Originality / value of the research. The originality of this work lies in developing the first comprehensive model applying blockchain technology to solve the specific problems of social protection for the visually impaired within the context of Kazakhstan. The value of the research consists in proposing a practical, inclusive tool (the "social wallet") and providing a quantitative justification for its viability, which can serve as a basis for pilot projects and social policy reform.

Findings. The results show that the proposed blockchain system can radically increase the transparency and accountability of fund distribution, eliminate the risk of misuse through programmable smart contracts, and provide beneficiaries with an unprecedented level of financial control. The quantitative analysis confirmed that the financial flow model is practically implementable and can effectively manage state, private, and targeted funds. A conclusion is drawn about the high feasibility of a pilot implementation of the system.

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