I've been here 8 months. You are correct on the 30 day at home study. Most people finish it all in 2 weeks. It is all computer based training. You get paid a few dollars while you do the 30 day home study, maybe enough to get dinner twice with the family. I can't remember exactly but it was maybe $200 or $300 pay for the home study. Once you finish the home study and go to MSP for one week of INDOC you start making guarentee (75 hours/month) at the beginning of your indoc in MSP. After 5 days of indoc then you go to Montreal to get your 170/190 PIC type rating (one month in Montreal). Then off to fly.
I believe medical benifits begin when you start indoc in MSP. You get travel benifits 2-3 weeks into your home study, depending on how fast they enter in your paperwork, and put you into the CASS system.
Someone who has been through more recently please feel free to correct me on changes.